Notice: Special Meeting & Proposed Changes to BCA By-Laws

Special Membership Meeting Announcement & By-Law Amendment Vote

This post was revised on 5.31.25 to include the most up-to-date ballot that was mailed to residents.

To Our Briarwood Residents,  

Your 2025 Board of Directors is calling a Special Membership Meeting to address urgent operational and legal matters concerning the future of the Association.  A formal vote will be held to approve the continued delegation of financial and operational duties to Dorchester Real Estate Services. With membership approval, these updates will be officially recorded with the Dorchester County Register of Deeds as amendments to our governing By-Laws. 

Upcoming Special Membership Meeting

Date & Time: Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM 

Location: Summerville Church of Christ 413 Old Trolley Rd, Summerville, SC 29485 

Agenda:

1. Membership Vote Items 

   1. Amend the duties of the Treasurer in the By-Laws 

   2. Amend the duties of the Secretary in the By-Laws 

   3. Approval for members to vote online

   4. Approve a dues increase from $75 to $125,

   5. Should "d" be approved, approve an increase of $25 every year until 2029. 

2026	$125
2027	$150
2028	$175
2029	$200

Vote Governance

This vote is conducted in accordance with the following sections of the BCA By-Laws: 

ARTICLE V, SECTION 2: Voting Rights 

1. At any meeting of the membership of this Association, recorded payment of the dues (paid either by homeowner or renter with approved proxy), for any residence lot in Briarwood, will entitle that resident the right to vote. 

2. The spouse of any person holding membership status is automatically deemed a member and has equal voting rights. The spouse of any renter with approved proxy when homeowner has given both positions (2) of membership to renter also is automatically deemed a member and has equal voting rights. However, the homeowner has the right to withhold one (1) position of membership for his or herself and give only one (1) position of membership to renter, whereas the spouse of renter would NOT be entitled to the right to vote. 

3. Proxies and Absentee Ballots. At all general Association meetings, each homeowner may vote in person, by absentee ballot or by proxy. A homeowner may designate another member of the Association to act as the member's proxy. A homeowner, renting his property, may give their proxy to the person renting the property for the duration of the rental agreement (or until rescinded in writing). All proxies/absentee ballots shall be in writing, sealed and passed to the Secretary/Treasurer of the Association (in person or by mail) not later than 15 minutes prior to the commencement of the meeting to verify eligibility to vote. An absentee ballot shall be valid only for that meeting and those agenda items for which the ballot was issued. Agenda items requiring a vote will be published in the newsletter and on the Association website preceding the meeting for which the ballot is intended. Absentee ballots published in the newsletter will specify the issues to be voted on and will specify whether the vote is FOR, AGAINST, or to TABLE a specific issue for further discussion. Absentee ballots and proxy forms will be available on the Association website and in the newsletter on a recurring basis 

ARTICLE VIII: Amendment of Bylaws:  

Bylaws may be adopted, amended, or revised by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members of a quorum present at any regular or special meeting, providing notice of the proposed action was given at any previous meeting. 

ARTICLE VI, SECTION 4: Transaction of Business  

The presence at any meeting of those persons holding membership status in the Association, either in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum. Unless otherwise specifically provided for in these bylaws, any action may be taken at any meeting of the membership by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the votes represented by the quorum present. 

Instructions

Members who attend the June 3, 2025, special meeting may vote in person. Those unable to attend, may submit their vote by absentee ballot or proxy. To vote by absentee or proxy: 

1. One vote per recognized member (up to two per residence lot if applicable). 

2. Return sealed and signed to the Secretary or Treasurer in person. 

3. Valid only for the June 3, 2025, meeting and the issues listed. 

View the Ballot (PDF)

Your participation is vital to ensure the safety, transparency, and legal compliance of our community. 

Sincerely, 

Briarwood Civic Association Board of Directors 

Clay Rogers – President 

Chris Haltiwanger – Treasurer 

Angela Woodruff – Secretary