BACKGROUND:
As residents, we have something to be proud of. The Landing Committee, a subcommittee of the Water Amenities Committee, has been working diligently to put together a proposal to solve some of the launching & landing problems, add a dock, and make our water front more enjoyable for our community. They did their homework, sought bids, and put together a presentation to the WPA Board. The Landing Subcommittee Members are: Ed Wozniak, John Walton, Larry McMillin, Keith Johnson, and Jamie Cristello.
On April 18th, the Board held an open meeting for the presentation and seven Board Members attended. Kudos to the Board for recognizing the committee's work and taking the time to listen. While the meeting was an open meeting, few residents knew about it because it was not posted on the WPA website or at the entrance. Note to the Board: This would have been a perfect example of open cooperation if the event had been posted. You did the rest of the work, you missed the opportunity for a complete, hardy "good job pat on the back".
I attended the meeting. The Board listened, had questions, and left any vote for a regular monthly meeting. They acted in accordance with our governing documents, policy, etc Great job, from an administrative prospective. They governed legally and ethically. You can be proud of how they handled this request.
Here are key points taken from the Landing Committee's power point presentation:
"The Riverfront and landing are Wedgefields wonderful resource. We are unique among the plantations because we have over one mile of water frontage on the river.
The landing is being used more than ever before. There currently 208 card holders enjoying our Riverfront. Add to that the residents who regularly walk or bike the Marina Road and we are seeing an increased popularity and demand for our Riverfront.
We would like to propose the following:
Install a new 12' X 48' dock across from the existing dock, with an Aluminum Ramp and Fixed pier, (similar to the existing) but with greater structured integrity.
This would accomplish several things:
*The new dock would create a "coffer" between both docks and reduce surface current, thereby making it safer to both launch and haul out and will extend our time for dock replacement. Most Public landings have 2 docks for this purpose. NOTE: The committee provided pictures of the landings at: Ball Park Landing Georgetown, Maryville Landing, Murrells Inlet Landing, and South Island Landing.
*Any boater that has launched and hauled out knows how difficult and dangerous it is with either an incoming or outgoing tide along with a strong wind.
*A new dock will over come and improve this condition. Our main concern is the safety of our residents but long term, this addition will be a cost savings."
The committee sought three bids for the project. The firms are licensed, insured, and respected in this type of work. The contractors provided bids that included the main dock (12' X 48'), aluminum ramp, and fixed pier.
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THE BOARD BRINGS THE PROPOSAL TO A VOTE AT THE MAY BOARD MEETING
During the May 15th WPA monthly Board Meeting, two motions were made regarding the landing. First, a motion to contract with Wendel Power to survey, engineer, and permit the project, not to exceed $1,300. The motion passed 7-1. Barrier voted no.
The second motion was to contract with Ronnie Campbell, not to exceed $22,500 to construct and complete the project. The motion passed 7-1. Barrier voted no.
Garrison advised the Water Amenities Committee that this project exceeded the Water Amenities budget line items and this would be their project for the year. The Board appeared to recognize the value and benefit of this project. Great move to declare how it fit in the budget and a heads up to the fact that this was it for the year.
The project and vote were handled well. Great job performance by all concerned - just my humble opinion.
