What’s New

Emergency Skills Training Opportunity

Dunes West is pleased to announce a free major training opportunity. The Town of Mount Pleasant is offering our residents the basic national Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course in October. The course will train and certify (or re-certify) students in the national emergency disaster process used when recovery from a natural disaster is unavoidable. Participants learn skills in areas such as fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and team organization.

The purpose of CERT is to train residents to be prepared to help themselves, their families, and their neighbors during disasters when professional responders may be delayed or unavailable. The dates are Friday, October 17, Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19. The course is a total of 20 hours. More specifics on times of the classes will be available shortly but we wanted everyone to be aware of the dates in case they have an interest in participating in this course.

It can’t be stressed enough how important emergency preparedness is and how it can benefit your family and community here in Dunes West as well as in the general Mount Pleasant area.

If you are interested in attending this course or have questions about CERT in general please feel free to reach out to Andrea Sykes who is our Dunes West CERT coordinator with the Town and County. Andrea can also provide you with a more detailed description of CERT as well as the emergency preparation and volunteer support team activities at Dunes West.

Andrea can be reached at <aasykes99@yahoo.com>

Progress on Grand Oaks

November 18, 2024, the Dunes West POA held a town hall meeting to make residents aware of the dangers associated with 18 of the Grand Oaks lining Wando Plantation Way.  The trees had been dropping sizeable limbs on the sidewalk and road leading up to the golf course clubhouse.  This created both a concern for the community in the risks of someone being hurt by falling limbs and for the potential loss of the majestic trees.  An arborist was hired to assess the health of the trees and to recommend appropriate actions addressing both concerns.  In the town hall, the arborist provided the following insights:

• The grand oaks have been diseased and dying for over 30 years.
• The trees are the victims of pathogens that are impacting the structural integrity of the trees.  The crown of leaves may look healthy but the weakening structural strength of the tree to support the crown will cause major limbs to fall.
• The science in caring for trees has advanced over the years.  Some of the mitigation steps tried in the past have been either ineffective or harmful.  
• Four trees present serious risk, but all eighteen are diseased and eventually may have to be removed.
• Thirty years ago, a next generation of oaks was planted between these trees.  These appear to be healthy and will be continually monitored. 
• A full report from the arborist was published for the Dunes West Community and can be found in the Documents section of the POA website.  The report provides both an opinion on each tree as well as background information on symptoms and causes of their diseases. 

Based on these inputs the POA Board of Directors proposed the next steps at the town hall:

• Once the risks are known and understood, there is a potential impact on the community’s continuing insurance coverage and the future cost of insurance.  A serious injury and lawsuit could require a special assessment.
• Any action plan involving removing trees must be approved by the Town of Mount Pleasant. The action plan will define steps for removing and remediation of failing trees and caring for the remaining trees. 
• Following the Town of Mount Pleasant review and input the action plan can be finalized and budgeted. 
• Another town hall meeting will be held to provide an update on what the Town of Mount Pleasant approves and what next steps are planned.  

The Town of Mount Pleasant approved a plan to address the failing Grand Oaks in July 2025.  A town hall is planned for October 8, 2025, in the Exchange Buiding to share the plan with the community. 

Activities Since the November 18, 2024 Town Hall:

The POA process of working with the arborists and the Town of Mount Pleasant Planning Board has been rigorous.  

• The POA, based on its concern for the historic trees, sought a second opinion from Andrus Tree. Their report essentially supported the Sava Tree arborists findings discussed at the Town Hall meeting. 
• In January 2025, Sava Tree submitted their detailed arborist report which was then provided to the Town of Mount Pleasant Planning Board.  This report is available on the POA website.
• Following up in March, the POA was initially told that we were going to have to appeal to the Planning Board of Appeals. The town planners were very concerned about the trees being historic grand oaks. That decision was changed to a request for a second arborist’s opinion.
• In April, the POA provided the Town of Mount Pleasant the Andrus Tree report.  
• In June 2025 the Town of Mount Pleasant Planning board hired their own arborist to evaluate the trees.  This arborist concurred with the other two arborists’ reports.  The validation of arborists’ reports coincided with a new focus the Town of Mount Pleasant Planning Board was putting on preserving trees in Mount Pleasant, especially historic grand oaks.  
• The Town of Mount Pleasant approved plans in July to remove four of the failing grand oaks, to monitor the other fourteen, and to provide arborist recommended treatments to the remaining trees to increase their chances of survival. 
• The trees that are removed must also be replaced.  This requires planting new trees in the same locations.  This is a complex task.  The larger the tree planted the greater the risk that it will not survive the process.  The ground needs to be prepared without impacting adjacent trees.  Root barriers need to be installed to focus root growth away from the road and sidewalks, protecting the tree from future root damage. The timing of this work is impacted by seasonal weather. Transplanting trees in the spring is optimal. 
•  The removal of the four trees is expected to occur in the fall with the remediation process occurring in the spring.  The early estimates of the cost of removal should be within this year’s budget for maintaining or extending the life of POA assets.  The remediation project funding will be planned during the current budget development process.  

The POA Board of Directors appreciates the efforts of the management team, the town of Mount Pleasant, and the community input in working to develop the best possible outcome for these historic trees.  

August Management and Board of Directors Summary Report

Complete Management Reports, Board of Director Meeting Minutes and July Financial Report, are available in the Dunes West POA Documents Website.  

Management:

• Coastal CSSI, the new security service implementation August 1, 2025.
• Implementation of Coastal CSSI documentation and software.
• 2026 Budget development meetings
• Sinkhole being addressed on Colonel Vanderhorst Circle
• Maintenance on both docks
• Playground slide and platform fixed
• Addressed landscaping request around pond 69
• Provided background on Mount Pleasant permitting process for the Grand Oaks 
• Tree removal quotes being collected
• Updated candidate nomination form

Board of Directors: 

• Addressed highway 41 assessment notices with attorneys and having our own assessment developed
• Project started to assess an updating of the website with contract being approved 
• Developed update on Mount Pleasant permitting for Grand Oaks 
• Planned town hall for Grand Oaks and Deer Management October 8, 2025
• Had a joint meeting with the ARB 
• Accepted resignation of Carolyn Edwards from the Traffic Safety Committee.  Many thanks for her significant efforts contributing to the safety of Dunes West.
• Communications to Residents:
• July Management and Board of Directors activity summary
• Maintenance of Roads inside the gates
• Introduction of Michele Pucci, New Covenants and Lower Dunes West Administrator

Dunes West POA July Financial Report Highlights: 

• Major Revenue Variances: 
  • Assessment collection on budget using accrual accounting method but below budget by $835,006 using cash accounting method due to early receipts in December 2024.
  • 428 owners owe more than $100, first month after due.  July had only 44.  The 428 are late and owe a late fee and interest penalty. 
  • Other YTD revenue is $42,134 over budget totaling $280,715 vs budget of $238,581.
• Major Expense Variances: 

Positive Variances:

• July expenses $293,099 with YTD $1,599,382 which is below budget by $123,122. 
  • Staffing payroll had a positive variance of $38,347 due to staffing turnover early in the year.
  • Ground maintenance $16,824 less than budget as repairs are less than previous years.  

Negative Variances:

• Taxes, $17,256. DWPOA, as a non-profit, first time having to pay taxes based on interest earned on invested reserve funds in FDIC insured funds. 
• Reserve Spending YTD: 
  • Reserve Fund spending year-to-date totals $1,472,001. Total budgeted Reserve Fund spending for 2025 totals $2,791,414
  • The largest expenditure this year has been towards the major paving project that was completed in July at a total cost of $1,200,825. 
• Reserve Funding Revenues:
  • Improved interest rates generated $82,716 of income, nearly twice the budgeted amount.
• Balance Sheet: 
  • Total operating cash increased $971,155 consistent with the strong July assessment collections.
  • Total all DWPOA cash at the end of July 2025 amounted to $7,084,293. (Note the actual payment for the paving project was paid to the vendor in August)

The Dunes West Stop Sign Challenge

Next time you pull away from a stop sign, ask yourself, “Did I just decide to spend $500 or more to save 3 seconds?”  A complete stop involves a complete lack of forward motion at or behind the stop line.  Typically, you can feel this as the momentum of the car stopping resets the body of the car over the stopped wheels. 

In Mount Pleasant, SC, running a stop sign is a misdemeanor that can result in a fine of up to $500, though the exact cost can vary due to court costs and potential additional penalties.  You are also likely to receive 4 points on your driver’s license. It’s important to note that a “rolling stop” or incomplete cessation of movement is considered a violation.

The cost of car insurance has been on the rise without points being added to a licensed driver.  Adding 4 points will add to the cost for another three years.  To avoid points in South Carolina traffic court, you can try to get the ticket dismissed or reduced to a no-point offense.  This may involve working with a prosecutor or a lawyer allowing you to take an approved National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course after the violation date for a point reduction.  This option is typically limited to once every three years and can only be taken after the points are assessed.  The court cost and the cost of the course can add to the total cost of the violation.  Also, don’t be surprised if a community service requirement is attached.  

So, take the Dunes West Stop Sign Challenge.  When you pull away from a stop sign, ask yourself, “Did I just make a decision to spend more than $500 to save 3 seconds?”  You can be pretty sure you will ask yourself that question often once you do get a violation and deal with the consequences.  

Walking and Bicycling in Dunes West

Dunes West has many miles of sidewalks and walking paths across the community for residents to use.  They provide opportunities for exercise, social interaction, quiet contemplation, and communing with nature.  To allow users to feel safe and secure while using these common facilities here are a few ethical guidelines for pedestrians and bicyclists.  

For Pedestrians:

• Stay aware: Ear buds or headphones are fine, but don’t walk like you’re in a zombie apocalypse.  Use ear bud or headphone settings in transparency mode to allow you to hear others.
• Stick right (usually): Just like driving, staying to the right makes life easier for everyone.
• No sudden moves: Don’t randomly zig-zag like a squirrel that spotted a peanut.
• Control Pets: Keep pets on a leash six feet or less and don’t allow pets to approach other people or pets unless permission is requested.
• Say Hello: Acknowledge others, there are a lot of nice people that live here. 

For Bicyclists:

• Sidewalks are not racetracks: If you’re on the sidewalk, you’re in pedestrian world. Ride slow.  If you are in a hurry or working out, ride in the street. 
• Give warning: A bell, a friendly “on your left,” saves everyone from jump-scares.  
• Yield always: Feet rule the sidewalk kingdom. If a pedestrian is blocking the way, chill until it’s safe.
• Dogs are not People: Dogs are not as predictable as people might be. Scaring a dog could be disastrous for the dog, the bicyclist, and a person at the other end of the leash.  Give a warning, more than length of the leash for room, and slow down.  Sometimes it may be safer to dismount and walk your bike past the pedestrian and dog.  
• Know the Rules for Crosswalks:  Don’t just assume a vehicle will stop or that traversing a crosswalk is safe.  Technically, bicyclists are supposed dismount to cross a crosswalk since it is a pedestrian crosswalk.   
• Know the Town’s Restrictions on E-bike Use: You’re not exempt from practicing common sense and complying with Town code on use of E-bikes on sidewalks and paths.

For Both:

• Eyes up: Screens down. Collisions are way less epic in real life.
• Share the space: Walking paths are social contracts—you’re agreeing not to be “that person.”
• Kindness is more important than right-of-way: Technically having the right doesn’t mean it’s right to take it.

July 2025 Management and Board of Directors Summary Activity Report

Complete Management Reports, Board of Director Meeting Minutes,  June Financial Report, and Annual Master Reserve Study are available in the Dunes West POA Documents Website.  

Management:

• Michelle Pucci is our new Covenants and Lower Dunes West Administrator
• 2025 Paving project completed
• New security service selection process was completed and awarded to Coastal CSSI.  Implementation August 1, 2025.
• Implementation of Coastal CSSI documentation and software.
• Kiln Court game camera set to detect people walking into Dunes West via the woods captured1 person in two months.  
• Back gate repairs to the outside and inside of the building have been completed.
• Alligator sign installed at pond 25. 
• Meeting with Chris Lupert, TOMP Planning, regarding Grand Oaks.
  • We reviewed the town’s assessment of the oaks.
  • The towns report and the POA’s report are in agreement as to the health of the oaks.
  • Next steps were discussed to plan risk mitigations to be shared with homeowner.
• Palm trees around neighborhood replaced

Board of Directors: 

• Master Annual Reserve Study received, accepted, and published on the website.
  • Study includes a review of assets to assess expected useful life, repair or updating costs, and financial reserve requirements to fund.
• Researched traffic study requirements for adding new intersection traffic controls within Dunes West.
• Notices regarding Highway 41 project have been received addressing DWPOA property to be potentially impacted.  The board is addressing with attorney.  
• Discussed E-bike town hall meeting to assess what went well and what could be improved to make these community meetings more effective. 
• 2024 Financial Audit Report completed and accepted by the board. 
• Communications to Residents:
  • June Management and Board of Directors activity summary
  • Introduction of Michelle Pucci as new Covenants and Lower Dunes West Administrator
  • Dunes West POA Behind the Gates Road Maintenance Strategy

Dunes West POA June Financial Report Highlights: 

• Major Revenue Variances: 
  • Assessment collection on budget using accrual accounting method but below budget by $305,308 using cash accounting method due to early receipts in December 2024.
  • Other revenue is $62,259 over budget due to strong decal income
• Major Expense Variances: 
  • Staffing payroll had a positive variance of $32,899 due to staffing turnover early in the year.  
  • Electricity rates raised by Dominion Energy caused a negative expense variance of $8,125.
  • Overall, surplus of $637,480 will fund operations second half of year and monthly transfer of $109,052 to reserve funds
• Reserve Funding Revenues:
  • Improved interest rates generated $82,716 of income, nearly twice the budgeted amount.
• Reserve Spending YTD: $264,731.
  • Total planned spending for 2025, $2,791,414 including $1,717,000 for major road project begun in July and to be completed in August. 
• Balance Sheet Total POA Equity: $6,254,370. 

June 2025 Management and Board of Directors Summary Activity Report:

Complete Management, Board of Director Meeting Minutes, and Monthly Financial Reports are available on the Dunes West POA Website.  

Management:

• Conducted a formal review and bidding program for the security contract.  Included 6 vendors, qualifying interviews, a formal RFP, and a structured bid analysis presented to the Board of Directors
• Prepared for an E-Bike town hall held on June 24
• Coordinated with Town of Mount Pleasant independent arborist to examine the grand oaks identified as failing.   Results expected in early July.
• Sent out semi-annual assessment invoices
• Planted 6 bald cypress trees on Harpers Ferry Way
• Put up “Stay off the Grass” signs where E-bikers have been tearing up the grass
• Ellington Woods monument lights repaired
• Storm damage cleanup
• Started the major infrastructure road paving project.  Expect completion in July. 

Board of Directors: 

• Plan and develop the materials for an E-bike town hall that was held on June 24
• Addressed several resident communications regarding E-bikes speeding and riding off-road.
• Preliminary discussion of traffic safety study of the intersection of Shell Ring Circle and Col. Vanderhorst due to obstructed views and pedestrian traffic accessing the path.
• Discussed the need for an initiative to update the website.
• Communications to Residents:
  • May Management and Board of Directors activity summary
  • Updates on schedule for planned road projects in June. 
  • E-blast and Next-Door invitation to residents regarding the E-bike town hall
  • Development of the town hall handout addressing the classification of e-bikes as they impact the state and local laws as well as Dunes West Covenants.  Also provided recommended programs for E-bike education.
  • Collaborated with Mount Pleasant Police Chief Mark Arnold and two of his senior officers to talk about how the police address E-bike concerns. 
  • Follow-up with meeting minutes of the E-bike town hall

Example Parent/Teenager E-bike Usage Agreement

May 2025 POA Board and Management Summary

E-Bike Town Hall – June 24, 2025 – The Exchange – 7:00PM