1. travel
2. vacation rentals

April 2015
D I G E S T
The Official Publication of the Kiawah Island Community Association
Message from the Chair: Member Vote on Amenities Approaching
With the Annual Meeting
now behind us and a new
board member, Bruce
Stemerman,
in
place,
we continue to move
toward a vote later this
spring on KICA’s amenity
improvements.
I believe there is a
compelling case to reinvest
in Kiawah to maintain its
world-class quality and
relevance to prospective
buyers, thus supporting
property values. I encourage
you to read a great letter the board received from Scott Harvin
on how the island has changed over the years and benefited
from reinvestment. (Page 3 - Letter to the Chair: As Expectations
Change, So Must Kiawah)
As we’ve stated on a number of occasions, efforts to improve
KICA’s amenities offerings started many years ago. I firmly
believe that this process has been thoughtful, professional and
transparent, with substantial community input. Obviously the
ultimate community input is an affirmative or negative vote
that will drive any next steps.
Before the board can solicit such a vote, it needs to flesh out
its recommendation so the membership fully understands
what is being proposed and what it costs. This process is
underway. We have been working with two architectural
firms to develop the schematic plans - one designing our
Sandcastle site and the other designing our Rhett’s Bluff site.
These plans should be sufficient to convey key design features
and functionality at each site. We will not incur, however,
additional architectural fees for the necessary detailed designs
until the membership votes.
We are also working with cost estimators to develop a
construction budget for each site. We have a good idea of
an annual operating expense budget, and we are having
preliminary discussions with several lenders to understand
our financing options for construction. We intend to borrow
much of this cost so the resultant debt service will be paid over
many years. This is the fairest approach to current and future
KICA members. The debt service and operating costs will
translate into a recommended higher annual assessment. Our
current belief is that the assessment will be within the financial
tolerance expressed by the majority of the June 2014 survey
respondents. We will provide all of these details when we send
out information with the proposal ballot.
One element of the recommendation will be a significantly
improved pool and beach experience at the Sandcastle, with
related remodeling of the first floor for better meeting space.
The second floor of the Sandcastle will stay essentially the same.
We contemplate separate family and adult pools, substantially
more pool deck, enhanced shower and restroom facilities, and
a great casual bar and dining experience.
The second element of the recommendation will be to
add a multi-use facility on KICA’s 6.2-acre property at the
Rhett’s Bluff boat landing. The building will consist of two
6,000-square-foot structures connected by a common hall.
This facility will host
canoe and kayak storage,
a small ship’s store and
coffee/juice bar, a fitness "...there will be more trees
amenity, and small social on the site after we are
gathering spaces. These
done than exist today."
spaces will be appropriate
venues for groups such
as the book, bridge,
garden, photography and other member clubs. It will retain
and enhance the existing pavilion, boat landing and trailer
parking and will be designed to coexist sensitively with the
neighborhood. For example, there will be more trees on the
site after we are done than exist today.
Our objective is to send information on the detailed
recommendation with ballot by late April. We will hold
several community sessions to present the information and
answer questions as well. In accordance with KICA’s governing
documents, the voting period will extend 30 days and all
ballots returned will be counted by the end of May. We have
about 4,000 households eligible to vote, so we will need about
2,400 households to express their opinions in order to reach a
quorum. A simple majority of those voting need to favor the
proposal for it to pass.
Continued on Next Page...
2
April 2015
Message from the Chair (Continued from Previous Page)
As a part of the board’s deliberations, we considered that some
of KICA’s membership may not want to improve KICA’s fitness,
meeting space, or pool and beach experiences. Individuals may
feel that what we have is adequate; that they wouldn’t use the
facilities; that they have access to better amenities through
the Kiawah Island Club; or they don’t want to fund the
requisite higher assessment. The board also understood that its
decision to build on its property at Rhett’s Bluff would bring
controversy, based in part on the history between some Rhett’s
Bluff residents and prior boards. Also, some KICA members
may feel the site is inappropriate on which to build. After
extreme deliberation, however, the board concluded it could
not house all desired improvements on the existing four-acre
Sandcastle site.
There is a small number of individuals who have publicly
stated that KICA does not have the legal right to build on its
Rhett’s Bluff property. Based on extensive research, and advice
from outside counsel, we feel strongly that KICA does have
the legal right to improve our common property there, and
historical information supports this (see KICA’s Community
Properties on pages 4-5). These individuals have presented
their opinion as a fact, while characterizing KICA’s opinion
as disingenuous and born of bad faith. It is unfortunate
that there has not been a civil agreement to disagree. I can
absolutely assure you, however, that the seven individuals on
the board and KICA’s Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Bailey
did not act casually or recklessly in arriving at its decision to
recommend investment in amenities.
The board believes that using its property at Rhett’s Bluff for
the enjoyment of the entire membership would be a landmark
for Kiawah. This would be the only facility on the island from
which members can enjoy the spectacular offerings of the Kiawah
River. It would benefit current and future KICA members.
I speak for the board when I say I believe that in 10 years,
virtually all KICA members will look back on a decision to
build as the right one. The board, however, doesn’t get to
decide. Nor should a few individuals who are adamantly
opposed. The entire membership should and will decide. The
board feels this is too important a decision for owners merely
to be shouted down. We need to decide, once and for all, how
KICA can use its property at Rhett’s Bluff. I strongly encourage
you to carefully evaluate the detailed recommendation when it
is distributed and vote on what you think is the right long-term
solution for Kiawah.
Sincerely,
Dave Schoenholz
Chair, KICA Board of Directors
Proactive Planning Key to Maintaining the Kiawah Experience
as Our Population Expands
If you've owned a home on Kiawah for more than 10 years,
you've watched the construction of The Sanctuary and
Freshfields Village, development on the east and west ends
of the island, and some in between. Kiawah is a growing
community. Between lots owned by members but not
yet developed, and developer lots and parcels not yet sold,
potentially 35% of Kiawah Island remains to be developed.
Over the last decade, the KICA board has monitored
our island's gradual growth and has engaged in proactive
planning to accommodate our expanding membership and
evolving preferences. As you know, KICA maintains island
infrastructure and enhances community life through a
commitment to providing exceptional amenities, programs
and services.
By the end of April, KICA's board will present a formal
proposal, created substantially through community member
input, to add new amenities at the Sandcastle and Rhett's
Bluff in order to sufficiently serve Kiawah's current and future
population. Be sure to watch your inbox and mailbox to stay
up to date on this approaching proposal.
April 2015
Letter to the Chair: As Expectations Evolve, so Must Kiawah
KICA Member Scott Harvin sent the following letter to KICA Board Chair Dave Schoenholz in March 2015:
To KICA Chair Dave Schoenholz:
I have some comments on the proposals to improve Kiawah amenities that come from over 40 years on Kiawah; my
family has had a house here since 1972. I think my property values are actually higher having the Sandcastle within
walking distance. People who say they had certain expectations about their neighborhood remaining the same as
when they bought have a valid point. However, there are limits, and I think people are relying on things told them
by real estate agents far too much. Kiawah has been a place with changing plans and expectations. When the Royals
owned the island, no house could be higher than the tree line so as to preserve the natural beauty of the island. That
expectation has changed.
The original plans for the island called for a school to eventually be built at the current site of Night Heron Park,
much like the Brumleys have done at Daniel Island. That expectation changed.
Many people purchased condos and villas near the old inn in the expectation that they would be able to walk there,
and enjoy its pool, bar and restaurant. That expectation has changed.
I miss the old inn, but love The Sanctuary. I miss the "little Pig," but came to appreciate the "Posh Pig" and now
the Village Market. I miss the natural beauty of the old Kiawah with its dirt roads, but recognize that the faux
natural, landscaped look has attracted buyers who raised property values. I remember when Rhett's Bluff was called
Blackbeard's Bluff, and the wild horses roamed there. Was that progress beneficial? I expect most residents of Rhett's
Bluff would say, yes.
I could go on and on, but I think the facts stand that Kiawah is falling behind like-communities in the amenities that
today's buyers want. The failure to address those concerns will harm not only the quality of life for current residents,
but future property values. New buyers want those facilities and want easy access to them.
Not all change is good, but to be successful a community must evolve. Kiawah has done well so far. I understand
the fear of some who want no change, but to stand still is to fail. There may be locations for the amenities other
than Rhett’s Bluff. The board appears to have investigated and come to the conclusion that it cannot be done at the
Sandcastle site.
It seems the board has looked for other locations, but I think it is going to be difficult to find one because I doubt
that either the resort or the new developers would be willing to part with an appropriate parcel cheaply.
Scott Harvin
47 Eugenia
3
4
April 2015
KICA's Community Properties: The Sandcastle Community
Center and Rhett's Bluff Landing
Boat Landing
"Designated Area"
Land marked for
"Future Development."
Figure 1: Plat showing planned future development at Rhett's Bluff Landing. View larger image at kica.us/amenities.
The developer conveyed the Sandcastle tract to KICA in the mid-70s.
At that time, only a small swimming pool and restrooms existed. As
the island’s population grew, past visionary leadership recognized the
need for amenity growth. Following is an overview of the evolution of
amenities at the Sandcastle and Rhett’s Bluff Landing sites.
1977
At KICA’s Annual Meeting, the developer announced
construction of a “boat launch on the Kiawah River at Shoolbred
Point [now known as Rhett’s Bluff] with plans for additional
marina facilities.” Rhett’s Bluff was known as “The Marina
Village.” Also that year, the property owners pool opened
adjacent to what is now the Sandcastle.
1988
Plans for marina activity continued although ownership of
the development company changed to KRA. A former KRA
marketing official described Rhett’s Bluff as follows: “It's rare
for an island the size of Kiawah to have only one point for
river access and enjoyment. Kiawah was a tough sell to serious
boaters because they expected to be able to keep their boats
there, not over at Bohicket Marina. So Rhett’s Bluff, or as it was
previously called, the marina site, was viewed as an integral part
of owners' enjoyment of the island, and it was considered to be
a key location from which to showcase the significant amount of
marsh/water-oriented property that remained to be sold. When
the security gate was later moved from Governor's Drive to its
present location, it was done so to limit resort guest access to
Rhett's Bluff, assuring it remained private for property owners.”
1990
A plat (Figure 1, above) dated January 1990 shows the boat
landing as less than an acre with the surrounding property
depicted as “Future Development.”
The developer records covenants for the 0.849-acre boat
landing, (“the designated area”) that contemplated among
other things “current and future improvements” as well as
“the right to create a club.” The Covenants further stated that
such club would use the designated area as well as other nearby
areas and improvements. While 0.849 acres was sufficient for
a community boat landing, surrounding property would be
needed for the development of a club or additional facilities.
1991
CEO Frank Brumley wrote to community members
explaining that the dock system at the landing was being
expanded, a pavilion was being built, and that the Vanderhorst
gate had been relocated for the purpose of limiting resort
guest traffic, assuring the site would remain private for the
enjoyment of KICA members. A 1992 Legends Magazine
showcases Rhett’s Bluff as a festive community gathering place.
(Figures 2 and 3, following page).
1994
KRA conveys the Rhett’s Bluff boat landing to KICA as common
property. However, instead of the 0.849-acre “designated area,”
just over six acres were conveyed - six times the size of the former
boat landing and large enough to accommodate additional
facilities and intense usage. (By comparison, Bohicket Marina
Village is roughly 3.98 acres). Official signed plats show this
area for “future development.”
There are several key facts associated with the conveyance itself.
It was conveyed as common property, a defined term in the
Covenants. By virtue of a deed restriction, it was to remain “a private
Kiawah Island community boat landing with related facilities.”
While it did not specify what the related facilities could be, it clearly
called for something more than just a boat landing. It was zoned
Parks and Recreation by the Town of Kiawah, the same as the
Sandcastle, suggesting it was not to be residentially or commercially
developed, but could have the wide range of uses allowed in “PR”
zoning. According to Town of Kiawah Zoning maps, the River
Course, Night Heron Park, and the Continued on Next Page...
April 2015
KICA's Community Properties (Continued from Previous Page)
5
Figure 2: Community events were held at the landing from its earliest days. Figure 3: Boating and popular music events were highlights at the landing.
Beach Club are zoned Parks and Recreation as well. These various
properties contain a broad variety of facilities and uses including
pools, playgrounds, food and beverage operations, and more.
Also that year, the membership votes to construct the Sandcastle
Community Center.
1995
Transcripts from an April KICA board meeting provide insight into
the Rhett's Bluff conveyance by KRA to KICA. In the meeting, a
Rhett’s Bluff resident challenged a proposal to launch commercial
fishing charters from the boat landing, claiming that such a proposal
violated the terms of the deed. Then-board member and KRA
partner Leonard Long advocated for allowing Mt. Pleasant based
charter operators to offer their services at Rhett’s Bluff, which would
be “limited to Kiawah property owners who want access to the
river.” Long further opined, “it is no different, Laura, than people
we give a decal to use our roads, and we’ve licensed to come on to
clean our yards, to fix our security devices, to do other things within
our common areas that are a value and benefit to property owners.”
A Rhett’s Bluff owner in attendance at the meeting questioned
KRA’s refusal to restrict commercial activity at the landing in
individual property owner deeds. Long commented, “Sounds like
we knew what our position was.” KIRE’s then-Director of Sales Pat
McKinney, also a KICA
board member, stated
the following: “During
"During the sales process, we
the sales process, we
were asked many times by Rhett's
were asked many times
Bluff owners how we were going
by Rhett’s Bluff owners
to restrict the landing...and we
how we were going to
restrict the Rhett’s Bluff
said, we weren't."
Landing…such as not
let it be overrun with
Rhett's Bluff Usage Stats (2013-14)
• 3,103 total visits by 864 members (400 of which were
one time visitors), 40% of the use in June, July and
August with an average of about 14 members/day.
• Annual use - 8.5 members/ day.
*Statistics based on the barcode gate system.
property owners elsewhere on the island…and we said, you know,
we weren’t. That was a point. If you didn’t like that, the fact that was,
in effect, a gathering area for property owners island-wide, then that
may not be a place you ought to be purchasing.”
The summer 1995 issue of KICA’s newsletter reported that
KRA invited four commercial fishing guides to offer charters
from Rhett’s Bluff.
1996
The Sandcastle opened on the site adjacent to the original
25-year-old pool and restrooms. The facility contained one
fitness room that was used as a weight room and for aerobics
classes. A small kitchen on the first floor, surrounded by a
wraparound verandah, served a very limited menu, functioning
as a “snack bar.” The second floor contained a 2,700-squarefoot reception area, catering kitchen, library, and restrooms,
with a verandah overlooking the ocean. In total, the original
building was 9,600 square feet. The original building was
quickly outgrown, resulting in future renovations:
• 1997: A portion of the first floor verandah was enclosed
for the snack bar.
• 2001: Renovations to separate the group fitness space and
weight/cardio room.
• 2001: The community pool is replaced, pool restrooms
renovated, and a pavilion and ocean side deck added.
• 2004: A service elevator is added.
• 2005: The second floor is renovated.
• 2007: The first floor is renovated, the snack bar moved
outside to free up space, and restrooms renovated.
2007
The Rhett’s Bluff facilities are expanded to include boater
restrooms and an electronic gate.
Sandcastle Usage Stats (2013-14)
• 63,000 total visits.
• 25,000 for fitness.
• 22,000 for the pool.
• 11,000 for community
events, clubs, meetings.
• 5,000 for private events
(hosted by a KICA member).
• Annual use - 172.6 visits/day.
6
If you have an event you would like included on the calendar, please e-mail [email protected].
April 2015
Community Calendar
Sandcastle: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
01
April is Eat Local month in Charleston!
Visit lowcountrylocalfirst.org
for more info.
3 p.m. Planning
Commission
7:30 p.m. Arts Council
Presents: Shake, Rattle
and Roll (East Beach
Conference Center)
08
06
07
1 p.m. Sandcastle Book
Club: Crossing to Safety by
Wallace Stegner
10 a.m. Yoga Retreat
10 a.m. Charleston County
Bookmobile
2 p.m. Town Council
12
13
14
15
3 p.m. Arts Council
Presents: Blues by the Sea
(Freshfields Village)
9 a.m. Photography Club
Workshop
3 p.m. Communications
Committee
3:30 p.m. SCCC Meeting
9 a.m. Conservation
Matters: Beach Bird Walk
with Aaron Given
2 p.m. Public Safety
Committee
19
20
21
22
12 - 4 p.m.: Second
Annual Sea Islands Food
Truck Rodeo
10 a.m. Photography Club
Meeting
4 p.m. Board of Zoning
Appeals
10 a.m. Charleston County
Bookmobile
26
27
28
9 a.m. Photography Club
2 p.m. Ways and Means
Committee
05
Happy Easter!
KICA (Sandcastle)
843-768-3875
kica.us (Events)
29
Sandcastle Bible Study - Mondays at 8:30 a.m. Sandcastle Bridge - Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
Women's Community Bible Study - Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m.
Weight Watchers - Wednesdays at 1 p.m.
Ladies MahJongg - Wednesdays at 1 p.m.
Intermediate and Advanced Bridge - Wednesdays at 3 p.m.
Kiawah Cares
843-768-9194
kiawahcares.org
02
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
843-768-2121
kiawahresort.com
Friday
03
3 p.m. Arts Council
09
16
Saturday
04
6 p.m. Community Seder
10
10 a.m. CERT Team
3 p.m. Our World:
"Economic Barriers
Around the World"
Recurring Events at the Sandcastle
•
•
•
•
•
•
Thursday
11
4 p.m. Spring Art
and Artisans Cocktail
Reception
10 a.m. Spring Art and
Artisans Showcase
17
18
23
24
25
3 p.m. Our World: "The
Curious Mister Catesby: A
Truly Ingenious Naturalist
Explores New Worlds"
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Landscape
Symposium, Plant Sale
and Lunch
3 p.m. Our World:
KICA Photography Club
Presents Photos from
Around the World
4 -7 p.m. Celebrate
Kiawah Member Party
30
Association Fitness Classes Offered
Yoga
Zumba
Strength and Stretch
Water Aerobics
Body Sculpt
Assorted Cardio Classes
**View class times and descriptions at kica.us (Facilities/Fitness Center).
Please note that all fitness classes are complimentary to members.
- KICA Paddlesports Program - www.tidaltrailskiawah.com -
Freshfields Village
843-768-6491
freshfieldsvillage.com
Town of Kiawah Island
843-768-9166
kiawahisland.org
If you have an event you would like included on the calendar, please e-mail [email protected].
7
May 2015
Community Calendar
Sandcastle: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
- Save the Date -
Kiawah Regime Council Meeting
Friday, May 8 from 9 - 11 a.m.
Sandcastle Community Center
Visit kica.us/regimes for more information.
03
10
All Day - Kiawah Women's
Group Pontoon Tour
17
24
Sandcastle Memorial
Day Celebration
KIGR Memorial Day
Weekend Dining Events
31
04
05
06
9 a.m. Photography Club
1 p.m. KICA Board Meeting
1 p.m. Sandcastle Book Club:
"Mary Coin" by Marisa Silver
3 p.m. Environmental
Committee
10 a.m. Charleston County
Bookmobile
2 p.m. Town Council
3 p.m. Conservation
Matters: Beach Walk and
Seining
3 p.m. Planning
Commission
11
12
13
9 a.m. Photography Club
3 p.m. Communications
Committee
3:30 p.m. SCCC Meeting
18
19
10 a.m. Photography Club
4 p.m. Board of Zoning
Appeals
10 a.m. Charleston
County Bookmobile
26
Happy Memorial Day!
2 p.m. Ways and Means
Committee
KICA and Town of
Kiawah Offices Closed
Sandcastle Memorial
Day Celebration
KIGR Memorial Day
Weekend Dining Events
27
Recurring Events at the Sandcastle
•a.m.
Sandcastle
10
PhotographyBible
Club Study - Mondays at 8:30 a.m. • Sandcastle Bridge - Tuesdays at 1 p.m.
Meeting
• Women's Community Bible Study - Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m.
• Weight Watchers - Wednesdays at 1 p.m.
• Ladies MahJongg - Wednesdays at 1 p.m.
• Intermediate and Advanced Bridge - Wednesdays at 3 p.m.
KICA (Sandcastle)
843-768-3875
kica.us (Events)
Kiawah Cares
843-768-9194
kiawahcares.org
3 p.m. Arts Council
Saturday
01
02
7 p.m. Kiawah Goes to
the Dogs (Charleston
Riverdogs Game)
3 - 7 p.m. Gullah
Celebration
08
09
9 a.m. Kiawah Regime
Council Meeting
14
15
16
21
22
23
KIGR Memorial Day
Weekend Dining Events
KIGR Memorial Day
Weekend Dining Events
KIGR Memorial Day
Weekend Dining Events
28
29
30
10 a.m. Kiawah Art Guild
2 p.m. Public Safety
Committee
20
25
07
Friday
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
843-768-2121
kiawahresort.com
Association Fitness Classes Offered
Yoga
Zumba
Strength and Stretch
Water Aerobics
Body Sculpt
Assorted Cardio Classes
**View class times and descriptions at kica.us (Facilities/Fitness Center).
Please note that all fitness classes are complimentary to members.
- KICA Paddlesports Program - www.tidaltrailskiawah.com -
Freshfields Village
843-768-6491
freshfieldsvillage.com
Town of Kiawah Island
843-768-9166
kiawahisland.org
8
Security
Main gate 843-768-5566
Toll Free 866-596-7184
(911 in emergencies)
Commercial pass office 843-768-8240
On The Web
KICA.US - KICA is on Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram and YouTube. Visit the KICA website
for more information.
Digest Contributors
Frances Boyd - Member Volunteer
Virginia Chapel - Member Volunteer
Bill Hindman - Member Volunteer
Shauneen Hutchinson - Member Volunteer
Mary Beth McAnaney - Member Volunteer
Sue Schaffer - Feature reporter
Deb Stewart - Member Volunteer
Russ Warren - Member Volunteer
Staff Production Team
Doug Reynolds - Communications Mgr/Editor
Tammy McAdory - Executive Director
Digest Mission Statement
The association is committed to accurately
and effectively reporting news affecting it,
and its members, board, and volunteers, and
to presenting discussions of significant issues
in a balanced and constructive manner.
Statement of Editorial Policy
The association, through its Digest reporters,
shall endeavor to report objectively and
wholly the significant island news relating
to the association and its members. The
association welcomes members’ suggestions on
issues they deem significant for publication
or discussion, and will publish editorials,
identified as such, where there is a need to
clarify, expand, or express views and opinions
on relevant issues. To submit an editorial,
write to Digest care of Doug Reynolds or
email to [email protected].
April 2015
What's Happening on Kiawah: Spring 2015
For more information or to make reservations for events, please contact
the Sandcastle Community Center at [email protected] or at 843-768-3875.
Yoga Retreat: "Finding Balance"
Tuesday, April 7 at 10 a.m.
Life can be tricky and pull us in many directions. This class, led by instructor Teresa Martin, aims to
improve our ability to balance both physically and mentally. Come learn simple ways to challenge
yourself and be more centered. Cost is $10. RSVP to the Sandcastle.
Sea Islands Food Truck Rodeo
Sunday, April 19 from 12-4 p.m. at Freshfields Village
The Kiawah Womens Foundation, a Kiawah Cares partner, invites you, your family and friends
to the second annual Sea Islands Food Truck Rodeo. This event benefits the fight against hunger
by providing snack packs to the students of Angel Oak Elementary, EL Frierson Elementary and
Haut Gap Middle schools. Stop in for an afternoon of music, eclectic cuisine, craft beers and
wine, and a silent auction. For more information, visit kiawahcares.org.
Landscape Symposium, Plant Sale and Lunch
Friday, April 24 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
This is truly a one stop shop! A series of speakers will offer expert advice for your home
landscaping and maintenance. The new greenhouse will be available for tours and of course
a vast selection of annuals, perennials, native plants and tropicals will be for sale, with
complimentary home delivery. Complete the day with lunch or a snack under the trees with
local food truck Roadside Seafood.
Kiawah "Goes to the Dogs"
Friday, May 1
Watch the RiverDogs versus the Akron Rubber Ducks followed by spectacular fireworks with your
friends and neighbors. There are 40 KICA tickets available, $16 each ($7 will be “doggie bucks” to
spend on food, drink or merchandise.) Tickets will be available at will call. RSVP to the Sandcastle.
Dance the Night Away at Celebrate Kiawah
Saturday, April 25 from 4 to 7 p.m.
All Kiawah property owners are invited
to KICA's annual poolside party! The
Headliners, a six-piece band that plays all
throughout the southeast, will entertain the
crowd with a unique blend of great vocal
harmonies with strong musical abilities.
Charleston Choo Catering will provide a
delicious selection of heavy hors d'oeuvres
and your very own KICA staff members
will be pouring wine and beer. Celebrate
Kiawah is complimentary for all association
members. Guests are welcome to attend at a
cost of $25 per person.
**Please RSVP to [email protected] or 843768-3875 as soon as possible to ensure that
catering and seating needs are met.
9
April 2015
Town Plans Beach Restoration at East End
Photo courtesy of the Post and Courier.
100,000 cubic yards of sand from the shoal and place it near the
Ocean Course driving range and 18th green.
The current project will be a smaller version of the successful major
project completed in 2006 at the same location. As before, piping
plover habitat on Kiawah and nearby beaches will be monitored for
several years.
Anticipating the growing problem, the Town of Kiawah applied
for permits with regulatory authorities (i.e., OCRM) in May
2014, and all have been approved. Originally scheduled for
September, work is now scheduled to begin May 15.
However, since erosion rapidly increased during the months of
January and February, emergency action was required. The town
worked with OCRM to issue an emergency sand bagging and
sand scraping order on Feb. 19. As a result, 2,000 sand bags were
placed on the beach. In addition, sand scraping activities were
conducted in late February, though those have since been halted
until further research into habitat area impact is conducted.
Kiawah’s normally accreting beach sand is experiencing significant
winter erosion at the eastern end of the island near the Ocean
Course. This is caused by the buildup of a large sand shoal offshore
at the tip of Kiawah near the mouth of the Stono River.
Most years, due to a process known as a shoal bypass, this sand
moves on shore and renourishes all of Kiawah’s beach. If this
does not naturally happen, then the resulting wave action causes
erosion at the eastern end.
In order to stimulate what nature does most years, the restoration
project would involve closing a flushing channel near the Ocean
Course driving range and opening a channel through the shoal
buildup. At the same time, land-based equipment would move
The sandbags have effectively slowed the erosion rate in the area,
though above average-high tides in recent weeks may increase
those rates again. At time of publication, the emergency order that
approved the sandbags was set to expire on March 31. OCRM
would need to approve any additional emergency orders.
In addition to these emergency efforts and the planned major
restoration project, smaller restoration projects may be needed
every three to four years due to the significant amount of sand
flowing from the Stono River each year. Any future projects
will again be a cooperative effort between the town, regulatory
agencies and the resort.
For more information on this project, visit kiawahisland.org or
contact the town at 843-768-9166.
Article contributed by Digest Member Volunteer Bill Hindman.
KICA is Coming to a City Near You
The Kiawah Island Community Association will be visiting several cities
this April to give an update on Kiawah Island, including the amenities
proposal. Cities include:
• Atlanta, GA
• Charlotte, NC
• Cincinnati, OH
• Greenville, SC
• New York City
• Washington, DC
Invitations were sent by email to those living within a two-hour radius of these
cities. If you did not receive an invitation, check your spam folder, or contact
KICA Board Secretary Carrie Newbern at 843-768-9194, 866-226-1770 (toll
free) or [email protected].
Downtown Greenville, SC
10
April 2015
Treasurer's Report: Active 2014 Leads to Balanced 2015
Art Jones, KICA treasurer, presented an overall look at KICA’s
2014 results and a 2015 budget summary at the March 6 Annual
Meeting. Here are some highlights from his presentation:
2014 Year End
Operating and reserve fund balances ended 2014 with a
$495,461 positive variance to plan.
2014 Operating Funds
Positive variances were seen in these operating fund categories:
• Assessments and Other Fees
$84,194
• Other Revenue $94,115
• Commercial Access Fees
$62,113
• Maintenance, communications and technology and
“other” categories contributed an additional $110,717 to
the positive operating fund variance.
Categories posting negative variances for the year include:
• Uncollected Assessments
($30,222)
• Legal Fees($71,755)
• Amenities Related Expenses
($47,150)
Looking more closely at these negative variances:
• Legal fees totaled $122,755 for the year. Major components
included $45,500 related to KRA Parcel 13 and $49,500
of amenities related expenses.
• Amenities related expenses totaled $148,102. Major
components of that category included fees paid to the
McMahon Group ($76,300) and to traffic, environmental
and planning consultants ($41,100). Printing and postage
contributed an additional $27,000 to the total.
2014 Reserve Funds
Positive variances were seen in these reserve categories:
• Projects Expenditures
$416,367
• Projects Moved to 2015
$362,533
• Investment earnings and other contributed an additional
$57,789 in positive variance to plan.
Projects driving the positive variance in project expenditures
include:
• Boardwalks and Walk Bridges
$113,272
• Culverts $91,097
• Street Resurfacing
$55,649
• Miscellaneous $158,310
Negative variances were driven by:
• Contributions to Reserves (CTRs)
($133,251)
• Additional Funding Requests Board Approved ($253,759)
• Emergency Repairs($156,244)
Significant additional funding requests included Conifer/
Greensward project ($176,535), Bass Creek drainage ($33,562)
and a drainage study ($25,000).
2014 Balance Sheet
A $17.7 million 2015 year-end fund balance reflects a $1.1
million positive variance over year-end 2014. The 2015 balance
includes:
• Investments
• Property
• Other assets
• Liabilities
$12,441,535
$5,666,755
$1,126,722
($1,454,413)
Property note: KICA owns an additional $37 million in
infrastructure (contained in reserve study) that cannot be sold
and is therefore not included on the balance sheet – roads,
culverts, etc.
Investments are concentrated in money market funds ($6.7
million), corporate bonds ($3 million) and certificates of
deposit ($1.8 million). Improved earnings in 2014 reflect a
higher portfolio concentration in corporate bonds and CDs
than in prior years.
2015 Budget and 2014 Actual
Revenues: 2015 budget
Assessments
$8,956,303
CTRs
$1,500,000
Commercial Access Fees
$953,759
Other (Snack bar, etc.)
$768,324
Total
$12,178,386
2014 Actual
$8,532,476
$1,366,749
$962,113
$765,324
$11,626,662
Expenses:
Payroll
$5,179.650
$4,933,846
Reserve Projects
$3,272,970
$2,105,335
Capital Exp and
Depreciation
$452,900
$462,205
Repairs and Maintenance
$820,204
$740,127
Communications and
Technology
$310,191
$281,339
Admin, Recreation and
Other
$2,139,579
$1,985,370
Total
$12,175,493 $10,508,132
Surplus
$2,893
$1,118,530
Significant reserve fund projects for 2015 will include
culverts, drainage and lakes ($1,109,500), landscape capital
improvements ($500,150), street resurfacing ($380,620),
boardwalks and crab docks ($298,600), leisure trail resurfacing
($242,000) and funds allocated for emergencies ($240,000).
For the full Treasurer’s Report presentation from the 2015
Annual Meeting, as well as other financial information, visit
kica.us/about/governing-documents.
11
April 2015
New Director, Officers Elected to KICA Board
the Kiawah Island Motoring Retreat. Bruce is also a founding
member of the Sea Islands Cars and Coffee event that takes
places monthly at Freshfields Village. He replaces Sue Schaffer,
whose three-year term ended at the meeting.
Following the Annual Meeting, a brief board meeting was held
where the following board officer appointments were made:
From left to right: Townsend Clarkson, Art Jones, Marilyn Olson,
Larry Kreyling, Will Lehder, Bruce Stemerman, Dave Schoenholz.
At the 2015 KICA Annual Meeting in March, Bruce Stemerman
was elected, via acclamation, to the KICA Board of Directors.
Bruce has been a Kiawah property owner since 1999 and has
been active in the community, serving on, among others, KICA's
Major Repairs and Replacement Committee and the board of
• Chair: Dave Schoenholz
• Vice-Chair: Art Jones
• Treasurer: Bruce Stemerman
• Secretary: Carrie Newbern (KICA Staff)
For more information on the KICA board - including the
transcript from the 2015 Annual Meeting, regular meeting
minutes and schedules, information on past boards and directions
on how to contact the KICA board - visit kica.us/board.
Explore Kiawah's Natural Beauty with Conservation Matters
Conservation Matters is a series of free, monthly programs hosted by the Kiawah Conservancy. For more information
on the Conservancy, or to register for any of the upcoming events, visit kiawahconservancy.org.
Beach Bird Walk with Aaron Given
Wednesday, April 15 at 9 a.m.
Wildlife biologist and master bird bander, Aaron Given, will
lead this bird watching adventure. Guests walk along the west
end beach down to Captain Sam's Inlet, stopping along the
way for bird viewing, photographing and discussion. Make
sure to bring your binoculars and cameras, the west end
beach should provide good diversity of birds and afford some
great viewing and photo opportunities. Attendees should be
prepared to walk a minimum of three miles on the sandy
shoreline terrain during this tour. Space for this free program is
limited. Reservations are required.
Beach Walk and Seining
Wednesday, May 6 at 3 p.m.
Winter and early spring are the best seasons for exploring
Kiawah's beach and all its ocean creatures. Join the Conservancy
in May for a beach walk and seining program with Kiawah Island
Golf Resort naturalists. Attendees will start with a short overview
inside the Sandcastle then head outside to enjoy beachcombing
and ocean seining. Guests are welcome to bring their beach finds
for discussion and identification by the naturalists. For those
participants that want to help pull the seining net, be prepared
to get wet and wear shoes that are secure to your feet. This field
experience will also include light walking. Reservations are
strongly suggested for this free program.
Kayak and Sandbar Exploration
Saturday, June 6 from 4 - 6 p.m.
Join the Conservancy at Mingo Point in June for a kayak
adventure and sandbar exploration. Kiawah Island Golf Resort
naturalists will lead guests on a kayak tour along the Kiawah
River, stopping along with way to explore sandbars and the
creatures that live within and around them. This is sure to be a
fun program for all ages. Participants should come prepared to
get wet and wear shoes that are secure to your feet. This field
experience will include paddling (tandem kayaks) and light
walking. Reservations are required for this free program.
D I G E S T
c/o Kiawah Island Community Association
23 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Address Service Requested
Call KICA For Backflow System Inspections
Did you know KICA offers the expertise of our irrigation technicians who
can perform basic backflow testing and repairs?
Backflow prevention devices are used to protect potable water supplies from
contamination or pollution due to backflow. In water supply systems, water
is normally maintained at a significant pressure to enable water to flow
from the tap, shower, etc. When pressure fails or is reduced, as may happen
if a water main bursts, pipes freeze or there is unexpectedly high demand
on the water system, then such reduced pressure in the pipe may allow
contaminated water from the ground, from storage or from other sources to
be drawn up into the system.
Kiawah Island Utility (KIU) requires residential water systems be tested
every two years to ensure that they are working properly.
Cost of Services
• Basic Backflow Certification: $60
• KICA's technicians can make the repairs, when needed, for $37.50 per hour,
plus the cost of materials. A one hour minimum charge applies ($37.50).
After one hour, the cost is $18.75 per half hour or $37.50 per hour.
Request Backflow Certification Services
Email [email protected] or call 843-768-9194 to schedule an
appointment. Services will be billed to your existing KICA member account
and invoiced to you.
PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
CHARLESTON, SC
PERMIT NO. 167