Dear PBNA Members,

We hope everyone had a great holiday season!  We’re back at work, and this is our third PBNA member newsletter.  As we have mentioned before, these newsletters will not replace subject specific emails on important topics that seem to arise with some regularity.  We will strive to publish these newsletters quarterly, with the intent to provide an update on various matters of concern to our community that fit within our mission.  We have several updates: 2023 Board, Anson Amendments, Litigation, Member Survey Summary, Remote Access/Livestreaming, Sponsors, and Upcoming FAQs.

2023 PBNA Board. We are pleased to welcome Helen Ryan to the board of volunteers.  Helen moved to Palmetto Bluff in December of 2021 after living and working on HHI for twenty years.  After a career in nursing and education, she “retired” to Hilton Head where she soon became the High School Principal, where she served until her second retirement. 

We want to thank Harry Haslam and Graz Graziano for their service as volunteer board members and leaders as they worked to restart the PBNA in 2021 and 2022.  Harry served as a critical bridge between the “old” and “new” PBNAs, bringing knowledge and wisdom to our group.  Serving as our communications volunteer, Graz was tireless and quick in drafting messages as well as responding to member and non-member inquires.

Final Resolution of SSP’s Proposed Amendments to the Development Agreement regarding a second dry stack and overwater fueling at Anson.  After over a year of consideration by various Town of Bluffton officials and committees, the Town’s Negotiating Committee recommended a compromise that received final approval by the Town Council in December 2022.  Key points include:

• The request for over water fueling was denied.
• The request for a dry stack at Anson was approved, subject to the following conditions:
• The number of wet slips cannot exceed 170 (which is the number currently permitted)
• The new dry stack is initially allowed to have 230 slips (the difference between 400 slips authorized in the prior 2^nd amendment to the PB Development Agreement and the 170).
• Wet slips may be converted to dry stack slips.  One wet slip may be converted to two dry stack slips.  (The Negotiating Committee added this provision to incent our owners to minimize the number of wet slips, which many people believe are potentially harmful to the environment.)
• Dry stack slips cannot be converted to wet slips. 

Litigation.  The litigation between the group known as PB Advocates (comprised mainly of owners of properties in the short-term rental areas, but not exclusively) continues.   Given the nature of the litigation, little new information is publicly available.  However, there is nothing that would lead us to believe that we can expect a resolution any time soon.

Member Survey Summary.   We received 61 responses to our PBNA member survey, representing roughly a 30% response rate assuming we received one response per household.  Key takeaways include:

• 66% believe power reliability is a priority issue.
• 62% believe cell service is also a priority issue.  Of those who cited cell service as a priority issue, 71 % do not have a landline.
• 75% do not believe we receive adequate communications from SSP.

Regarding PBNA’s performance since we “re-booted” in late 2021:

• 48% believe we are doing an excellent job; 39% rate us as good, and 13% believe we have performed poorly.
• 66% believe that our current mix of emails and in-person meetings is appropriate; 21% want meetings to be live-streamed or via zoom.
• 82% have used our website.

A full summary—including member demographics—is on our website.  (Please click here)

Outside Speakers.  We were pleased to host Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka on November 9^th at the Lodge which was attended by 40-50 residents.  Mayor Sulka addressed a broad range of questions from property owners.  Town Council member Dan Wood joined us as well.  Our goal is to bring in an interesting speaker (e.g., local official, elected representative, or administrator) once a quarter.

Going forward, we plan to continue to bring in speakers on matters of relevance to both new and longstanding Palmetto Bluff residents, including both “heritage” and environment/naturalist subjects that we think will be of broad interest.  We would welcome any suggestions.

Remote access/livestreaming.  Please note that many of you have asked that we provide remote access to our meetings and events.  We hear you!   Unfortunately, we have been unsuccessful so far on finding a workable, reliable, and affordable solution.  We would appreciate someone one volunteering to take this one on.

Upcoming FAQs.  We are working on two important FAQs.  First, we are drafting (and reviewing for accuracy) a FAQ that explains our homeowner association’s (Palmetto Bluff Preservation Trust) financials and provides an analysis of key trends and matters over the past 6 years where there are available audited financials. 

Second, we are working on a FAQ regarding the PB Conservancy’s structure and financials, using IRS tax filings (Forms 990) as well conversations with their leadership.   The Conservancy is a well-loved institution, but the structural and financial underpinnings are not well understood.  We hope to shed more light on these matters, which we hope will serve to only strengthen this important organization over time.

Last quarter, with the help of Marty Strauss, we published a “Low Country Civics 101” FAQ succinctly explaining relevant elected and appointed governmental leaders, election mechanics, key issues, and such. 

Sponsors.  We want to give a shout out to our sponsors, who help us continue to be careful stewards of PBNA member funds. The generosity of our website sponsors enabled us to exempt existing members from paying dues in 2023.   When utilizing their services and products, please acknowledge that you noticed their logo on our site and thank them for their support. It will help them, us, and you.

Click here to see our proud sponsors.

Feedback.  We welcome and enjoy feedback.  Please reach out to us at pbna2020@gmail.com.

PBNA Volunteers

Bob Morette, Arian Ellis, Helen Ryan, Ford Bartholow, Eric Sutherland, Richard Cedrone