6.13 Blue Heron Newsletter
6
BLUE HER N THE June 2013 Issue Publication of the DeBordieu Colony Community Association “DCCA” www.debordieucandc.com Beach Renourishment Update A t the special board meeting on May 11, 2013, the Board reviewed the history of erosion on Debidue Island, the key lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy, the increase in bid prices from dredging contractors, and alternatives to lower the cost of renourishing the beach. e erosion we are encountering has been documented back to 1939 by Clemson University. Two wooden groins were constructed on Hobcaw Beach in 1972, which significantly decreased the erosion on our beach while they were functional. In 1979 these groins were destroyed as Hurricane David passed by. As a result, by 1980 the beach erosion increased prompting the approximately 50 oceanfront property owners to construct the bulkhead along the majority of the developed beach front up to Pioneer Place Loop. e bulkhead was completed in 1982 and oceanfront owners have spent over a million dollars maintaining this structure since that time. Beach preservation and maintenance regulations and techniques have evolved over the past 30 years; however some facts have not changed. As an example, studies of the effects of Hurricane Sandy have shown conclusively that those beaches which were maintained and were higher and wider sustained significantly less damage than those beaches and dunes which had not been nourished. is is a fact. While the exact value of the beach to each and every property in our community is often debated; one thing is clear; DeBordieu is a beach community! Techniques and options used to maintain this community amenity evolve just as they do throughout the state and country; however a recent independent economic analysis confirms that there is a price premium of over $38,000 for undeveloped lots in DeBordieu vs. other gated communities on the Waccamaw Neck, which can be attributed to the beach and associated ocean waters. Without a wide healthy beach, this premium cannot be sustained. Professor Rob Salvino of Coastal Carolina University performed this study, and also analyzed the proposed allocation of renourishment costs, which he concluded were fair and equitable. e report can be viewed on the DeBordieu community website, debordieucandc.com. e February 2013 beach monitoring report for DeBordieu shows that only 22% of the sand from the 2006 renourishment remains with 0% remaining on the south end. e sustained northeast winds and high tides further damaged the beach and dune system. e protection we have had for the past 7 years has eroded and some parts of the beach are now at pre-2006 renourishment levels. e bulkhead is at risk of undermining and possible collapse in places. Earlier this spring, the Board voted to proceed with the bidding process to determine accurate dredging costs for this beach renourishment project. e bid responses came in much higher than in previous years because of the many dredging projects in the northeast created by Hurricane Sandy. Dredging contractors have a historic large number of opportunities for the next year or more. Due to this high demand, the lowest bid was over $10 million. e low bidder has agreed to reduce their price if we can increase the time period for dredging and if we will share some of the risk of bad weather days and allow them some flexibility in the amount of sand added to the beach between 525,000 – 650,000 cubic yards. ese negotiations with the dredging contractor are continuing. ere was also a review of the proposal from TD Bank to work with property owners who would like to finance their renourishment assessment over a number of years. Various alternatives for proceeding were discussed. ere was also a discussion about using some portion of our $2 million reserve to reduce the costs of this renourishment project and to increase dues in future years to restore those reserve funds. e Board decided not to use any reserve funds for this project but to keep the existing reserves and to add to those reserves in the future as required. e Board unanimously approved proceeding with a community vote to renourish the beach up to a maximum amount of $9.4 million and to use the proposed allocation meth- odology that was reviewed in detail at the February 23, 2013 special board meeting. Since there are differing allocations, the voting requirement will be a 2/3 approval of those voting with a 51% quorum, per the By-Laws. Ballots will be mailed to voting members during the week of May 20, 2013. Electronic voting will also be available. All proxies must be assigned by 5:00pm on Friday, June 14, 2013. Results will be announced at the June 15 meeting. e cost allocations approved by the Board are included in this newsletter. Before Beach Renourishment After Beach Renourishment
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June Debordiue Blue Heron Newsletter
Transcript of 6.13 Blue Heron Newsletter
BLUE HER N
THE June 2013
IssuePublication of the DeBordieu Colony Community Association “DCCA” www.debordieucandc.com
Beach Renourishment Update
At the special board meeting on May 11, 2013, the Board reviewed the history of erosion on Debidue Island, the key lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy, the increase in bid
prices from dredging contractors, and alternatives to lower the cost of renourishing the beach.
The erosion we are encountering has been documented back to 1939 by Clemson University. Two wooden groins were constructed on Hobcaw Beach in 1972, which significantly decreased the erosion on our beach while they were functional. In 1979 these groins were destroyed as Hurricane David passed by. As a result, by 1980 the beach erosion increased prompting the approximately 50 oceanfront property owners to construct the bulkhead along the majority of the developed beach front up to Pioneer Place Loop. The bulkhead was completed in 1982 and oceanfront owners have spent over a million dollars maintaining this structure since that time.
Beach preservation and maintenance regulations and techniques have evolved over the past 30 years; however some facts have not changed. As an example, studies of the effects of Hurricane Sandy have shown conclusively that those beaches which were maintained and were higher and wider sustained significantly less damage than those beaches and dunes which had not been nourished. This is a fact.
While the exact value of the beach to each and every property in our community is often debated; one thing is clear; DeBordieu is a beach community! Techniques and options used to maintain this community amenity evolve just as they do throughout the state and country;however a recent independent economic analysis confirms that there is a price premium of over $38,000 for undeveloped lots in DeBordieu vs. other gated communities on the Waccamaw Neck, which can be attributed to the beach and associated ocean waters. Without a wide healthy beach, this premium cannot be sustained. Professor Rob Salvino of Coastal Carolina University performed this study, and also analyzed the proposed allocation of renourishment costs, which he concluded were fair and equitable. The report can be viewed on the DeBordieu community website, debordieucandc.com.
The February 2013 beach monitoring report for DeBordieu shows that only 22% of the sand from the 2006 renourishment remains with 0% remaining on the south end. The sustained northeast winds and high tides further damaged the beach and dune system. The protection we have had for the past 7 years has eroded and some parts of the beach are now at pre-2006 renourishment levels. The bulkhead is at risk of undermining and possible collapse in places.
Earlier this spring, the Board voted to proceed with the bidding process to determine accurate dredging costs for this beach renourishment project. The bid responses came in much higher
than in previous years because of the many dredging projects in the northeast created by Hurricane Sandy. Dredging contractors have a historic large number of opportunities for the next year or more. Due to this high demand, the lowest bid was over $10 million. The low bidder has agreed to reduce their price if we can increase the time period for dredging and if we will share some of the risk of bad weather days and allow them some flexibility in the amount of sand added to the beach between 525,000 – 650,000 cubic yards. These negotiations with the dredging contractor are continuing.
There was also a review of the proposal from TD Bank to work with property owners who would like to finance their renourishment assessment over a number of years.
Various alternatives for proceeding were discussed. There was also a discussion about using some portion of our $2 million reserve to reduce the costs of this renourishment project and to increase dues in future years to restore those reserve funds. The Board decided not to use any reserve funds for this project but to keep the existing reserves and to add to those reserves in the future as required.
The Board unanimously approved proceeding with a community vote to renourish the beach up to a maximum amount of $9.4 million and to use the proposed allocation meth-odology that was reviewed in detail at the February 23, 2013 special board meeting. Since there are differing allocations, the voting requirement will be a 2/3 approval of those voting with a 51% quorum, per the By-Laws.
Ballots will be mailed to voting members during the week of May 20, 2013. Electronic voting will also be available. All proxies must be assigned by 5:00pm on Friday, June 14, 2013. Results will be announced at the June 15 meeting.
The cost allocations approved by the Board are included in this newsletter.
BeforeBeach Renourishment
AfterBeach Renourishment
2013 Beach Renourishment Project Cost and Payment ScheduleZones # Properties Payment #1
Aug. 15, 2013Payment #2
Oct. 15, 2013 Total Assessment per Zone Zones # Properties Payment #1Aug. 15, 2013
Payment #2Oct. 15, 2013 Total Assessment per Zone
OCRM Baseline Beach Front NorthImproved Lot 10 $37,769 $37,769 $75,538 Improved Lot 6 $10,873 $10,872 $21,745
Unimproved Lot 2 $25,218 $25,217 $50,435 Villas 28 $ 4,597 $ 4,596 $ 9,193 OCRM 20 Year Erosion Line Island Zone 1
Improved Lot 6 $28,804 $28,803 $57,607 Improved Lot 191 $ 4,848 $ 4,847 $ 9,695 Unimproved Lot 1 $17,059 $17,058 $34,117 Unimproved Lot 62 $ 3,819 $ 3,818 $ 7,637
Improved 50 ft Key Lot 9 $22,080 $22,079 $44,159 Villas 37 $ 4,213 $ 4,212 $ 8,425 Unimproved 50 ft Key Lot 3 $14,786 $14,786 $29,572 Island Zone 2
Villas 16 $ 8,268 $ 8,268 $16,536 Improved Lot 31 $ 3,672 $ 3,671 $ 7,343 OCRM Setback Line Unimproved Lot 29 $ 3,054 $ 3,054 $ 6,108
Improved Lot 30 $12,666 $12,665 $25,331 Inland Unimproved Lot 4 $ 8,900 $ 8,900 $17,800 743 $ 1,907 $ 1,907 $ 3,814
Improved 50 ft Key Lot 13 $11,052 $11,052 $22,104 Island Properties with Premium: 480Unimproved 50 ft Key Lot 2 $ 7,851 $ 7,851 $15,702 Inland Properties: 743
Grand Total: 1223
Mark Your CalendarSpecial Members’ Meeting
Saturday, June 15 at 9:00 amat the Clubhouse
2013 Beach Renourishment Project Cost and Payment ScheduleZones # Properties Payment #1
Aug. 15, 2013Payment #2
Oct. 15, 2013 Total Assessment per Zone Zones # Properties Payment #1Aug. 15, 2013
Payment #2Oct. 15, 2013 Total Assessment per Zone
OCRM Baseline Beach Front NorthImproved Lot 10 $37,769 $37,769 $75,538 Improved Lot 6 $10,873 $10,872 $21,745
Unimproved Lot 2 $25,218 $25,217 $50,435 Villas 28 $ 4,597 $ 4,596 $ 9,193 OCRM 20 Year Erosion Line Island Zone 1
Improved Lot 6 $28,804 $28,803 $57,607 Improved Lot 191 $ 4,848 $ 4,847 $ 9,695 Unimproved Lot 1 $17,059 $17,058 $34,117 Unimproved Lot 62 $ 3,819 $ 3,818 $ 7,637
Improved 50 ft Key Lot 9 $22,080 $22,079 $44,159 Villas 37 $ 4,213 $ 4,212 $ 8,425 Unimproved 50 ft Key Lot 3 $14,786 $14,786 $29,572 Island Zone 2
Villas 16 $ 8,268 $ 8,268 $16,536 Improved Lot 31 $ 3,672 $ 3,671 $ 7,343 OCRM Setback Line Unimproved Lot 29 $ 3,054 $ 3,054 $ 6,108
Improved Lot 30 $12,666 $12,665 $25,331 Inland Unimproved Lot 4 $ 8,900 $ 8,900 $17,800 743 $ 1,907 $ 1,907 $ 3,814
Improved 50 ft Key Lot 13 $11,052 $11,052 $22,104 Island Properties with Premium: 480Unimproved 50 ft Key Lot 2 $ 7,851 $ 7,851 $15,702 Inland Properties: 743
Grand Total: 1223
Over a year ago when I was approached about running for a seat on the DCCA board, I have to admit that I was both somewhat flattered and apprehensive. On the one hand, I enjoyed being involved with events at DeBordieu but not really being a responsible contributor. The Colony is, after all, a beautiful Eden where we can forget our cares and enjoy nature and the various activities that we strived for years to be able to achieve. Since Doug Wilson and Les Crawford can be very persuasive, not only did I end up on the board but I became chair of the Beach Committee. It has been an interesting year.
I would like to share some of my thoughts and how I hope we can continue to do what is in the best interest for DeBordieu Colony. I believe we all share a common value about its unique-ness. Whether it is our love for the beach, the maritime forest, the creek, the North Inlet, the club amenities or the wildlife we all feel the specialness of DeBordieu. It is indeed a wonderful place. Many of us have had the good fortune to travel extensively around the USA and the world. I think when we return to DeBordieu we feel, “Wow, this place is better than that exotic spot I just visited!”
We have different ideas about what and how we should maintain and nurture in DeBordieu. A saying goes, “Change and improve are two different things.” I like to say that knowing what to keep and what to change is a real challenge. However, I think that we can probably agree that some fundamental, founda-tional things must be kept – kind of like our college mascots.
Your Board’s responsibility is to optimize the options for preservation, change, improvement - and to do it in a conservative fiscally/financially responsible way. We are entrusted with monies from our community and should therefore spend in a manner reflecting wise stewardship and overall long term benefits.
Additionally, we must nurture relationships with other stakeholders: DeBordieu Club, DCRE, Hobcaw Barony, Georgetown County, Pawleys Island, the Waccamaw Neck and the
State of South Carolina. All the while, we must keep the best interests of DeBordieu Colony at the forefront, but in the right way. I make this last statement not in an elitist vein but rather to say that we have “skin in the game” and we must protect our unique asset while being attuned to the needs of others.
Your Board will strive to listen, consider and act in the right way.I trust that we will continue to be able to bind wounds and heal schisms that may have developed over the years. Remember, there are always at least two sides to a story and sometimes three: Yours, mine and the truth.
We must encourage participation in governing DeBordieu and invite civil, courteous debate. Being a committee member is truly a learning and positive experience. I hope many of you will succumb to the entreaties of silver tongued devils just as I did and agree to serve in the near future.
I would also mention that we are blessed with a very competent and dedicated administrative staff at the DCCA. They work very hard on our behalf and if you have been involved with them, you are aware of this fact. Many thanks to them for their efforts in addressing some sticky issues at times.
DeBordieu is a microcosm of what is great about America. We have a wonderful collection of folks from all walks of life with a wealth of talent and experience. Let’s use this human capital to keep DeBordieu special.
Two quotes in closing. The first is a favorite of mine and attributed to the Marquis de Lafayette (who also is credited with naming DeBordieu): “I bring with me only enthusiasm and frankness but no ambition or self-interest”. I plan to perform my duties in the same manner.
The second is how we should consider our good fortune in being DeBordieu colonists and comes from Buddha: “When you realize how perfect everything is, you will tilt back your head and laugh at the sky”.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve the community.
From the Desk ofIncoming DCCA Board President, Dick Rose COMMUNITY
BOARD BRIEFS
During the 2013 Annual Members’ Meeting, community members par-ticipated in a vote to elect four new directors from a slate of six nominees.
Our four newly electedBoard Directors are:
• Jim Christian• Mason Hogue• Marianne Mackey• Carter UtzigWe also want to extend our sincere
gratitude to those directors who have rotated off the Board:
• Les Crawford• Bob Flowers• Jim Green• Jeff Shields
for their service and contributions to our community.
During the organizational meeting held on May 4 the followingofficers were elected:
• President – Dick Rose• Vice President – Glynn Alexander• Secretary – David Kossove• Treasurer – Marianne Mackey
Committee Chairs selected are:• ARB –Jim Cooper• Beach – Carter Utzig• Finance – Marianne Mackey• Grievance – TBD• Infrastructure – Bill Owen• Legal & Regulatory
Mason Hogue• Long Range Planning
Wilson Lowery• Membership – TBD• Waccamaw Neck POA – TBD
Contact information for Board members is available online atwww.debordieucandc.com.
AR UND THE COLONY
S.C.U.T.E. (South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts)by Betsy Brabson & Robin Baughn, Coordinators
Fasten your seat belts for another active loggerhead nesting season in South Carolina! After 2 strong seasons, the SC Dept. of Natural Resources believes the northern population of loggerheads may be in recovery. Here at DeBordieu & Hobcaw, volunteers are ready for the turtles to begin visiting our beach and will start surveying at sunrise May 15. You can keep up with daily turtle activity on our website at www.debordieuscute.org sponsored by DeBordieu Real Estate.
South Carolina will again be taking part in a 3 state (NC/GA) NOAA grant that studies the DNA of these turtles. By taking an egg from each nest, researchers are able to tell us from the DNA how many times and where a particular female is nesting, relationships between turtles such as mother/daughter/sisters and at what intervals they are nesting. It was previously thought that turtles returned to their hatching beach to nest. While some are site specific, others travel great distances between nestings. It was also believed that nesting occurred every 2-3 years but we now know that some females nest every 4 years.
Thanks to all for doing your part to help loggerheads by turning off oceanfront lighting by 10:00 p.m. during nesting season and by keeping our beautiful beach clean and clear for all!
If you have seen us on the beach doing turtle activities and want to learn more, please contact Betsy Brabson at 843-546-9531 or [email protected].
It has been noted in several past issues of the Blue Heron that DeBordieu has now become a part of the national Firewise program. The essence of this program is to aid communities in reducing the risks of destructive fire related events. A number of activities along these lines have been underway in DeBordieu over the past several months. The ARB has taken the lead in helping to champion this effort in organizing a Firewise day and making available to all property owners information on what can be done on an individual basis to help reduce the risks of wildfires.
One possible area for attention in this regard is the under brushing of undeveloped lots. There is no requirement within the community that undeveloped lots be under brushed. For those property owners, however, who would like to pursue this course of action the ARB is offering to explore a mechanism that can potentially reduce the cost
of this activity. When an owner contacts Meg Wilcox, ARB Administrator, seeking an Underbrushing Permit, she will aggregate the requests and inquiries from property owners on a case by case basis for exploring with local under brushing companies the possibility of a reduced price. This option within the Underbrushing Procedure will be evaluated on a quarterly schedule. There is no obligation on the part of the property owner until such a time as a price is quoted and the agreement to proceed is communicated by the property owner. The actual business will be conducted between the under brushing company and the property owner. The ARB will not have any direct part in the transaction other than to help arrange more advantageous pricing than what might be achieved by individual property owners acting on their own. For questions and inquiries please contact Meg Wilcox at [email protected].
Architectural Review BoardJoins Firewise Program
www.debordieuscute .org
It’s Going to be a BLAST!
Please Note: Luvan Blvd. traffic will be redirected toWallace Pate Drive at 8:30pm.
Parking is available at the Playground, the green space onLuvan Blvd. and the Golf Clubhouse parking area.
Reminder: State law prohibits driving a golf cart at night and the use of fireworks elsewhere in DeBordieu Colony is prohibited.
10:00 am4th of July PARADE
✰ 10:00 am ✰Beach Club Area
**Please NO Water Balloons or High-powered Water Hoses**
9:00 amParade Line Up
1:00 pm at the BeachMilitary Flyover
10:30 am - 1:30 pmCarnival at Pavilion
9:00 pm Teal/Bridge PondFireworks Extravaganza
DCCA ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORYPhone: 843.527.4436 Fax: 843.546.8704
Blanche Brown ........................ [email protected], CMCA General Manager
Ayla Hemeon .......................... [email protected] Administrator
Brooke Phillips ........................... [email protected] Manager
Sharon Bishop ........................... [email protected] & Commercial Services (decals & barcodes)
ArchitecturAl review BoArd .................843.527.5033Meg Wilcox .............................. [email protected]
ARB Administrator
Grounds MAintenAnce ..........................843.436.3333David Sapp ............................... [email protected]
Grounds Maintenance Manager
coMMunity sAfety “sAfety & security” .... 843.527.4931Mike Grabarz .......................... [email protected]
Chief of Community SafetyStephanie Johnson .................... [email protected]
Administrative Assistant
GATEHOUSEPhone: 843.546.8520 Fax 843.546.8532
2012-2013 deBordieu colonyBoArd And coMMittee AssiGnMents
Dick Rose .................................... [email protected]
Glynn Alexander ............................ [email protected] President
David Kossove ............................. [email protected]
Marianne Mackey ........... [email protected] / Finance
Jim Christian ................................ [email protected]
Jim Cooper ........................... [email protected] Review Board
Mason Hogue ......... [email protected] & Regulatory
Bill Owen ............................... [email protected]
Bill Rentz [email protected]
Dick Schwab ................................ [email protected]
Carter Utzig ............................ [email protected]
Claire Yarborough .............................. [email protected]
