September 2011 D I G E S T The Official Publication of the Kiawah Island Community Association e Kiawah Island Community Association (KICA) recently surveyed the 1,100 property owners in West Beach as part of its Strategic Plan goal to revitalize the area. West Beach is defined as stretching from the most western portion of the island to Sora Rail Rd. and from the Kiawah river to the ocean. e survey sought to: • Understand West Beach member demographics • Gauge satisfaction with physical elements of the West Beach area • Understand members’ perceptions of and future hopes for the area Over 500 members responded to the survey, an impressive 38% response rate, with 84% willing to participate in additional research as well. e survey results demonstrate the types of improvements respondents have made or plan to make in the next year, and the types of activities they participate in while on Kiawah. Some findings include: • Over 80% of respondents have made improvements to their properties; most of those being interior renovations. • Roughly half the respondents plan to make future improvements. • e factors most likely to motivate owners to make improvements would be an announcement of the Resort’s West Beach plans, reduced fees, and an easier ARB process. • A revitalized Straw Market and a community pool for members and rental guests are high on respondents’ wish lists. • Respondents see West Beach as a family-friendly, laid-back, connected environment. • Respondents see the area as transient but would like it to become less so. • 54% rent their properties. • Respondents see room for improvements in KICA amenities in the area. • Responses and demographics among cottage, villa and single family homeowners varied slightly. To read the full survey analysis and cross-tabulations, visit the new virtual West Beach studio at www.kica.us/news/West_Beach. e site also features the beginnings of a photo history of the reshaping of West Beach. Members are welcome to submit their own before and after photo success photos as well. e Town of Kiawah Island (TOKI) is considering purchasing Kiawah Island Utility (KIU), the island water and waste water company, from the developer, Kiawah Partners (KP). e development agreement between TOKI and Kiawah Partners gives TOKI the “right of first offer,” should the developer decide to sell the utility company. At the July 12 town council meeting, Mayor Steve Orban reported Kiawah Partners’ interest in a potential sale. e council now has 120 days, until Nov. 9, to evaluate the purchase, conduct a referendum, and exercise its right. Digest contacted Kiawah Mayor Steve Orban, utility company President Townsend Clarkson, and Joe Hall, chair of the Seabrook Water and Sewer Commission, to learn about the process and how an ownership change might affect community association (KICA) members. At the July meeting, the town council voted unanimously to appropriate funds for a feasibility study, and the mayor appointed an advisory committee headed by council member Charlie Lipuma. Charlie and Steve’s professional and educational backgrounds in business and engineering will be advantageous in deciding whether to proceed. e other committee members are recent KICA board member and Strategic Planning Committee chair Jim Williams, TOKI planning commission member and past chair of the KICA Major Repairs Committee Ron Tedesco, Board of Zoning Appeals member and former KICA Finance Committee chair Charlie Larsen, TOKI administrator Tumiko Rucker and treasurer Ken Gunnells. During the feasibility study, which the mayor expects to last “a couple of months,” the advisory committee will hire legal, engineering and financial advisors to evaluate the infrastructure and the utility’s health and assist with financing options. “We will probably do a bond sale,” said the mayor. “at would be part of the referendum.” Steve explained how the advisors determine the company’s value. “ey begin with a ‘green field’ evaluation and figure the cost of replicating the existing system in an open green field. en they subtract the depreciation Continued on Page 2 Survey Provides Insight Into West Beach Community For Sale: Kiawah’s Water and Sewer Company
Transcript
September 2011
D i g e S t The Official Publication of the Kiawah Island Community Association
The Kiawah Island Community Association (KICA) recently surveyed the 1,100 property owners in West Beach as part of its Strategic Plan goal to revitalize the area. West Beach is defined as stretching from the most western portion of the island to Sora Rail Rd. and from the Kiawah river to the ocean. The survey sought to:
• Understand West Beach member demographics• Gauge satisfaction with physical elements of the West Beach area• Understand members’ perceptions of and future hopes for the area
Over 500 members responded to the survey, an impressive 38% response rate, with 84% willing to participate in additional research as well. The survey results demonstrate the types of improvements respondents have made or plan to make in the next year, and the types of activities they
participate in while on Kiawah. Some findings include:
• Over 80% of respondents have made improvements to their properties; most of those being interior renovations.
• Roughly half the respondents plan to make future improvements. • The factors most likely to motivate owners to make improvements
would be an announcement of the Resort’s West Beach plans, reduced fees, and an easier ARB process.
• A revitalized Straw Market and a community pool for members and rental guests are high on respondents’ wish lists.
• Respondents see West Beach as a family-friendly, laid-back, connected environment.
• Respondents see the area as transient but would like it to become less so.• 54% rent their properties.• Respondents see room for improvements in KICA amenities in
the area. • Responses and demographics among cottage, villa and single family
homeowners varied slightly.
To read the full survey analysis and cross-tabulations, visit the new virtual West Beach studio at www.kica.us/news/West_Beach. The site also features the beginnings of a photo history of the reshaping of West Beach. Members are welcome to submit their own before and after photo success photos as well.
The Town of Kiawah Island (TOKI) is considering purchasing Kiawah Island Utility (KIU), the island water and waste water company, from the developer, Kiawah Partners (KP). The development agreement between TOKI and Kiawah Partners gives TOKI the “right of first offer,” should the developer decide to sell the utility company. At the July 12 town council meeting, Mayor Steve Orban reported Kiawah Partners’ interest in a potential sale. The council now has 120 days, until Nov. 9, to evaluate the purchase, conduct a referendum, and exercise its right. Digest contacted Kiawah Mayor Steve Orban, utility company President Townsend Clarkson, and Joe Hall, chair of the Seabrook Water and Sewer Commission, to learn about the process and how an ownership change might affect community association (KICA) members.
At the July meeting, the town council voted unanimously to appropriate funds for a feasibility study, and the mayor appointed an advisory committee headed by council member Charlie Lipuma. Charlie and Steve’s professional and educational backgrounds in business and engineering will be advantageous in deciding whether to proceed. The other committee members are recent KICA board member and Strategic Planning Committee chair Jim Williams, TOKI planning commission member
and past chair of the KICA Major Repairs Committee Ron Tedesco, Board of Zoning Appeals member and former KICA Finance Committee chair Charlie Larsen, TOKI administrator Tumiko Rucker and treasurer Ken Gunnells.
During the feasibility study, which the mayor expects to last “a couple of months,” the advisory committee will hire legal, engineering and financial advisors to evaluate the infrastructure and the utility’s health and assist with financing options. “We will probably do a bond sale,” said the mayor. “That would be part of the referendum.”
Steve explained how the advisors determine the company’s value. “They begin with a ‘green field’ evaluation and figure the cost of replicating the existing system in an open green field. Then they subtract the depreciation
Continued on Page 2
Survey Provides insight into West Beach Community
For Sale: Kiawah’s Water and Sewer Company
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For Sale: Kiawah’s Water... (Continued from Page 1...)KIU has taken over the years. The age of the existing infrastructure will also be part of the evaluation; for example, what is the useful life of that 16-yr old pipe? They will consider cash flow, and will also look at whether we will have enough water when we reach build-out.” Kiawah Partners also has a price range, provided by their own consultants.
Kiawah’s water comes from the St. Johns Water Company (SJWC), a non-profit corporation financed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. SJWC purchases its water from the Charleston water system under a long term contract at wholesale rates. Steve commented, “We are allocated 3.6 million gallons a day from St. Johns, and that won’t increase. In the summer it’s not enough, but in winter it’s more than we need, so in winter the excess water is stored in the aquifer. If that’s not enough, I don’t know what happens. It’s one of the questions we will have to answer.”
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) would regulate a publicly owned KIU. DHEC issues the permits for every aspect of water use, requires monthly inspection of hundreds of water samples, and annually inspects facilities and equipment and reviews monthly reports and lab and maintenance records.
Water and sewer rates for privately owned utilities like KIU are set by the state Public Service Commission (PSC). When the PSC commissioners raise SJWC’s water rate, St. Johns passes the increase on to its clients. KIU is authorized to recoup this additional expense from customers without requesting a rate increase, but any additional increase requires a formal rate request to the PSC.
TOKI ownership would bypass the PSC. Townsend explained, “The town can set up its own utility commission that would control the rates. You avoid a rate increase process that, with applications and evaluations, takes about a year and costs around $200,000. With an outside private company you can expect an increase every 18 months—as soon as they get one they start working on the next. We haven’t had a rate increase beyond the cost of water in ten years, because we have been able to cover substantial increases in our operating expenses by the expanding number of customers. But we are close to the last 10% of developable real estate, with only about 400 units remaining. We have an efficient operation, better than the standards call for, and that has kept costs down. Unless the cost of water goes up, I expect that the town would only need increases for capital projects.”
The discussion about a possible sale arose because Kiawah Partners is petitioning the PSC for a rate increase and the funding of a $6.5 million project to supplement a 25-year-old major feed line from Freshfields to the island. Townsend related, “The development agreement requires the developer to inform the town when it plans to request an increase. Buddy Darby and I set a meeting to do that. We wanted to review with them what we are doing, the time frame, and the amount of the request. That led to a discussion about our long term objectives for the utility.”
The time seems right to Kiawah Partners for a sale, with the utility infrastructure mostly in place and little land still left to be developed. Townsend said, “We are a developer, and we planned to sell it eventually. Eight or ten years ago the town considered a purchase, but it didn’t happen. In this financial market, a utility is a desirable place for investment money because it’s stable. A lot of entities are looking at utility company operations now, and we have had several approach us about selling, one, in particular, from Texas. The utility can bring a higher price now than when real estate is appreciating.”
Although private companies are interested, the developer prefers to sell to TOKI. “All things even, the town should end up as owner, either this year or down the road; it’s better for the community than an independent party,” said Townsend. “We have also considered KICA, but the covenants would make their ownership of the utility difficult. Typically a municipality owns the utility; they can operate at less cost than even a community association. The town doesn’t pay income or property taxes and can usually borrow at rates substantially less than a business can, so it can operate a utility company for less than a private entity can. It’s typically not difficult for a town to get bond money, and at times there is federal and state money available to help with that. The town is service motivated, whereas an independent company would be more profit driven. In the long term, I think the rates will be more stable and lower than with the developer or another private company. We don’t make our living through the utility company, but it does make a profit.”
Steve talked about the pros and cons of ownership. “Our goal is to provide the best service possible to people on Kiawah, with quality water at a reasonable price. There are financial advantages. We would run it as a nonprofit. Public utilities don’t pay taxes and can get trucks and equipment from the state of South Carolina cheaper than private companies can. Also we would have control over the water and sewage, with our own managers or by hiring a company to do it for us, as Seabrook does. On the other hand, if you are the provider and water or sewage breaks down, the citizens come to you. We would have to run the plant efficiently and put aside enough money for maintenance and renewal and not let everything get old on us at one time. We would need a schedule for replacements and a reserve fund for future needs.” Seabrook purchased its utility company from the owner more than 15 years ago, and Joe Hall has been involved with it ever since. Joe recalled that the owner agreed to negotiate a sale, but after a successful referendum in which 90% of voters approved the purchase, the owner reneged. The town had to condemn the utility.
Townsend said that the Kiawah situation is different from Seabrook’s. “KIU is in good shape, and our service exceeds what you’d expect from a utility. We are the PSC’s #1 rated privately owned utility company in South Carolina and we have won a fair share of awards. Our General Manager, Becky Dennis, has been very involved with PSC and DHEC. She is a past president of the South Carolina water and waste association and is highly respected. On Seabrook, the town had to condemn the utility to protect their service.”
Continued on Page 11
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it’s Budget time - getting to the Numbers
Business Plan goal 1: expenses and Revenues
Beginning in August the Kiawah Island Community Association (KICA) turns its attention to developing the next year’s budget. Last month, staff began the budget process. This process culminates with the 2012 budget presentation at the November KICA board meeting. The KICA budget exceeds $11 million. The annual budget process is a complex, deliberate process involving management, committees such as finance (FC), human resources (HRC) and major repairs (MRC), and directors, before that November board presentation.
Here is a quick look at what will be happening over the coming months. Want to learn more about the budget process? Attend Mornings with Joe on Oct. 18 or any MRC or FC meeting (meeting dates, times and locations can be found at www.kica.us/about/committees). Questions about the budget and budget process should be directed to [email protected].
Article contributed by Digest Member Volunteer Deb Stewart.
The recent debate over including deficits and debt in the national budget has raged more frenetically than a ping pong match. Interestingly, it is rare deficits are included in budget negotiations at local levels. The KICA Board of Directors takes fiscal responsibility seriously. It established a task force to study in more detail whether expenses were outpacing revenues, and to recommend action if that were the case.
Annual assessments comprise the KICA operating budget. They allow KICA to operate the Sandcastle, provide member services, secure the island and generally run the place. Assessments are separate from Contributions to Reserves (CTR). CTR are collected once, when property titles transfer, and the funds are applied to maintenance items like roads, bike paths, drainage and board walks. CTR can vary with the real estate market, which allows
funds to be set aside in a good market. By contrast, the source pool for annual assessments is relatively static while operating expenses are not.
This task force has been asked to conduct a line-by-line review of the operating budget and recommend a slate of savings. The KICA board will then be able to sift through these options during the upcoming budget process and consider opportunities to reduce expenses and mitigate increases in expenses while preserving the high level of personal, quality service currently afforded to KICA members.
Article contributed by Digest Member Volunteer Gregg Bragg.
Beginning in August KICA turns its attention to developing the next year’s budget. Earlier this month, staff began the budget process. This process culminates with the 2012 budget presentation at the November KICA board meeting. The KICA budget exceeds $11 million. The annual budget process is a complex, deliberate process involving management, committees such as finance (FC), human resources (HRC) and major repairs (MRC), and directors, before that November board presentation.
Here is a quick look at what will be happening over the coming months. Want to learn more about the budget process? Attend Mornings with Joe on Oct. 18 or any MRC or FC meeting (meeting dates, times and locations can be found at www.kica.us/about/committees). Questions about the budget and budget process should be directed to [email protected].
August Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan
Controller presents projections/budget draft to staff
MRC reviews budget, 5-yr analysis and recommendations of task force and develops recommendations to FC
FC reviews draft of 5-yr analysis and working budget
HRC/staff develop wage and benefit assumptions and projections
Staff compiles projections and working draft budget
5-yr analysis draft developed
Board reviews 1st draft
2nd draft of budget prepared and provided to board
Mornings with Joe: Budget Workshop
FC reviews 2nd budget draft and makes recommendations to board – final draft of budget developed
Staff presents budget at board meeting for board approval
Budget summary posted to website (and later included in members’ annual meeting packets)
Prepare for new fiscal year
2012 assessments mailed
Dancing Your Way to good Health With Zumba4
To honor the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces, The PGA of America is proud to offer complimentary admission for all active military personnel to the 2012 PGA Championship, Aug. 6-12, on Kiawah Island, S.C.
“Since World War I, The PGA of America has maintained a tradition of supporting the men and women of our armed services,” said PGA President Allen Wronowski. “They are our nation’s heroes, whose sacrifices are unmatched. The PGA of America is proud to welcome them to our many golf programs, and to enjoy attending our premier major championship.”
Military tickets will be available for pick-up at the on-site Admission Sales and Will Call Office, located at the Main Spectator Entrance, the day of
admission with a valid active military I.D., and do not need to be reserved ahead of time. Grounds tickets will be available daily for all active military personnel throughout the week-long tournament. One additional spouse ticket will also be complimentary with the presence of an active military I.D., even in the event of a Championship sellout. Each ticketed adult will be permitted four junior admissions daily at no additional charge.
“We encourage all active duty military personnel to come to Kiawah Island next August to watch the top players in the world take on The Ocean Course in South Carolina’s first major,” said Brett Sterba, 2012 PGA Championship Director. “As tickets go back on sale August 14, we want all interested active military to know that they receive complimentary entrance into the tournament and do not need to purchase tickets.”
“Our state has a long and proud military heritage,” said House Speaker Bobby Harrell, Co-Chair of the 2012 PGA Champions Committee. “The PGA and South Carolina share the same deep appreciation for the great sacrifice our fighting men and women give to our country. We look forward to hosting these military members next year at The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island for a great week of championship golf.”
The PGA of America is a proud supporter and sponsor of many military and service-based programs including Patriot Golf Day, The Folds of Honor Foundation, Disabled Sports USA, Golf for Injured Veterans Everywhere (GIVE) and the Salute Military Golf Association.
You may have o v e r h e a r d people talking enthusiastically about “Zumba” and wondered, “What is it?” Well, to begin with, it is a trademarked fanciful made-up
brand name to identify an exotic Latin-inspired dance-exercise routine that has taken the country and Kiawah by storm. Its dance moves stem from popular Latin steps like the salsa, merengue, mambo, and chachacha. It is a cardio-vascular, toning, fitness party that gets the body moving basically through dancing. It’s focused on letting the music move you. Participants learn how to move their hips, feet, and their entire body to the catchy “Ricky Martin” type of beat. It’s fun, exhilarating, easy to follow, and burns calories to boot!
Zumba began as an accident in the mid ‘90s when Alberto “Beto” Perez, a fitness instructor in Cali, Colombia, forgot his aerobics music for his fitness class and had to quickly improvise with different Latin music CD’s he had with him. It was an instant hit with his class. Alberto came to Miami in 2001 from Colombia and brought his new dance fitness idea with him. With some associates, Alberto marketed the idea, under the
newly conceived “Zumba” trademark and has had a blockbuster concept ever since. In 2005, Zumba Fitness began a Zumba Academy to license Zumba instructors all over America to teach Zumba classes. They even had a convention as recently as this July in Miami with over 7,000 Zumba instructors in attendance. Their enterprise has now expanded to apparel, accessories, music CD’s, DVD fitness videos, and now even a video game.
Zumba came to our very own Sandcastle Community Center last summer when Maggie Hawkins invited Prisca Denton to the Sandcastle to teach a Zumba class and it was enthusiastically received. Prisca has been teaching Zumba since 2009 and is certified in Zumba, Zumba Gold (for baby boomers and active older adults) and Aqua Zumba (a water-based work-out). In her words “it sets me free. It’s so much more fun than exercising. It’s really exercise in disguise- by the time the class is over it’s hard to believe an hour had just passed.” Having taken the class I would have to agree that everyone loves the routines and Prisca makes it easy to follow. She really connects with her classes and hence, Prisca’s Zumba classes have been quite popular at the Sandcastle. She teaches all over Charleston and her students range in all ages, shapes, and sizes from teenagers to 85-year-olds. Men enjoy it as well and she has a growing group of loyal male students. Since Prisca arrived last summer, the Sandcastle has brought on two more Zumba instructors, Kelly Bragg and Keywi Terry, to meet the growing demand. So consider coming and joining the cha-cha line!
Article contributed by Digest Member Volunteer Mary Beth McAnaney.
PgA Offers Active-Duty Military Complimentary Admission to 2012 Championship
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The first POPS party for the 2011/2012 season will be Autumn Fest on Friday, Oct. 21 at the Sandcastle. In addition we will again be hosting a Holiday Dinner in December, a Progressive Dinner in March and the Hello Summer party in May. Check the community calendars in Digest for the dates and times of upcoming POPS events and club news. We look forward to seeing old friends and making some new ones too.
What is POPS and how do I join?
POPS (Property Owner Parties) is a Kiawah Island organization to promote social and educational opportunities for all property owners of Kiawah. You must join POPS to attend the four parties which are held each year and also to participate in the many clubs that are under the POPS umbrella. See below for a brief outline of all that POPS has to offer.
Membership renewal information and lists of all activities were recently sent to all last year’s POPS members and to new residents. If you did not receive the membership form and want to join any of the numerous POPS groups and activities, you will find that information and form at the Sandcastle Community Center or in the KICA office at the Town Hall. If you have further questions, call or email Carol Regan ([email protected]) or Sandy Williams, membership chair. POPS membership is open to all Kiawah Island Association members. Annual dues are $15 per person or $30 per couple.
Thank you to Cindy and Lynn Feldman, last year’s co-presidents of POPS. They put many hours of planning, e-mailing, and organizing into the many events. Their dedication and efforts were greatly appreciated by all.
New officers for POPS’ 2011/2012 season are:
POPS consists of many clubs open to its members:
Alternatives – This club organizes a variety of social, educational and charitable activities for it members. Though originally begun as an “alternative” to golf and tennis, membership now represents all women of the island. It generally meets the third Wednesday of each month (unless notified otherwise). Our introductory luncheon and meeting will be at Jasmine Porch on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 12 p.m. Judy Casey, apparel consultant and co-owner of The Finicky Filly on King Street will give us her opinions and insight into what’s new for fall fashions this year.
Bible Study – All denominations of faith are invited to meet weekly on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the Sandcastle. For information contact Susie Keefe, 768-9395 ([email protected]) or Sue Jackson, 768-8562 ([email protected]).
Book Club – Meets the first Monday of each month through May at 1 p.m. at the Sandcastle (unless otherwise notified). The first meeting will be Monday, Oct. 4. For more information contact Julie Lorscheider at 768-4396 ([email protected]) or Eleanor Harris at 768-1237 ([email protected]).
Bridge – This group meets a few minutes before 1 p.m. each Tuesday at the Sandcastle. Participants must sign up in advance each week by contacting Priscilla Burger at 768-9847, Jean Freeman at 768-1830 or Arla Lawson at 768-6666.
POPS Dinner for Eight – Groups of eight gather in homes to share a meal and meet new friends. The season will kick off in October with a Get Acquainted Party at the Sandcastle. For details contact Laura VanDerwerker at 768-2574 ([email protected]), Eileen Van Horn at 243-9905 ([email protected]), Katie Kotz at 768-3239 ([email protected]) or Cathy Fieberg at 768-9837 ([email protected]).
POPS Begins 2011-2012 Season Security Main gate 843-768-5566 Toll Free 866-596-7184
(911 in emergencies)Commercial pass office 843-768-8240
On The WebVisit our website for complete
staff directory – and more! www.kica.us
KICA is on Facebook and Twitter. Visit the KICA website for more information.
Digest ContributorsFrances Boyd Member VolunteerGregg Bragg Member VolunteerVirginia Chapel Member VolunteerBill Hindman Member VolunteerWilliam Hutchinson Member VolunteerSarah Markel Member VolunteerMary Beth McAnaney Member VolunteerAlan Primason Member VolunteerSusan Schaffer Feature reporterDeb Stewart Member VolunteerRuss Warren Member Volunteer
Staff Production TeamDoug Reynolds - Communications ManagerLeah Jerden - Communications AssistantTammy McAdory - Executive Director
D i g e s t 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].
Presidents Carol and Jack Regan843-768-1948, ([email protected]) Vice PresidentsBetsy and Brendan Burke843-768-8143, ([email protected])
Membership Sandy and Allan Williams843-768-4752, ([email protected])
Continued on Page 8
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Sandcastle843-768-3875
www.kica.us/sandcastle.htm
Town of Kiawah Island843-768-9166
www.kiawahisland.org
Kiawah Island Golf Resort843-768-2121
www.kiawahresort.com
Freshfields Village843-768-6491
www.freshfieldsvillage.com
**If you have an event you would like included on the calendar, please e-mail [email protected].
For more info on these events...
* The Kiawah Island Golf Resort has several ongoing events. Please refer to their website for a full listing of events offered.
01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
8:30 a.m. Kamp Kiawah9:30 a.m. Ladies Bridge3 p.m. Arts Council6 p.m. Kamp Kiawah’s Kid’s Night Out
8:30 a.m. Kamp Kiawah6 p.m. Music on the Green6 p.m. Kamp Kiawah’s Kid’s Night Out
8:30 a.m. Kamp Kiawah5 p.m. CSO Spiritual Ensemble Concert5 p.m. Kamp Kiawah’s Kid’s Night Out
8:30 a.m. Kamp Kiawah11:30 a.m. Jasmine Porch Jazz Brunch4 p.m. 5th Annual Barrier Island Wine & Beer Festival5 p.m. Kamp Kiawah’s Kid’s Night Out
Happy Labor Day!
9:30 a.m. ConKerr Cancer Pillowcase Project3 p.m. Environmental Committee
2 p.m. Town Council 9 a.m. KPOG meeting3 p.m. Planning Commission
2 p.m. KICA Eyes and Ears Committee3 p.m. KICA Security Committee7:30 p.m. Arts Council: Jimmy Key Comedian (Turtle Point)
1:30 p.m. Family Craft: Tye Dye
11:30 a.m. Jasmine Porch Jazz Brunch
10 a.m. POPS Garden Club1:45 p.m. KICA Board Meeting Comment Session2 p.m. KICA Board Meeting3 p.m. Opera Lite
3 p.m. Sandcastle Community Center Committee
11:30 a.m. Jasmine Porch Jazz Brunch
3 p.m. Opera Lite4 p.m. Board of Zoning Appeals
10 a.m. Mornings with Joe (KICA Admin.)
4:30 p.m. EduFest Volunteer Fair
11:30 a.m. Jasmine Porch Jazz Brunch
9 a.m. Photography Club3 p.m. Opera Lite
9 a.m. Ways and Means Committee
2 p.m. Solar Power Presentation
SANDCASTLE HOURS Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Event dates, times and locations are subject to change. Please refer to the contact information listed below for the most up to date information on events.
September 2011
**View class times and descriptions at www.kica.us/events_classes_fitness.htm. Please note that all fitness classes are complimentary to members.
YogaZumba
Strength and Stretch
Water AerobicsBody Sculpt
Assorted Cardio Classes
Community CalendarYour Island Event Planner Community CalendarYour Island Event Planner
**View class times and descriptions at www.kica.us/events_classes_fitness.htm. Please note that all fitness classes are complimentary to members.
Event dates, times and locations are subject to change. Please refer to the contact information listed below for the most up to date information on events.
SANDCASTLE HOURS Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
KICA Paddlesports Program - www.tidaltrailskiawah.com
3 p.m. Our World Presents Mike Veeck6 p.m. POPS Dinner for 8 Kickoff
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POPS (Continued from Page 5...)
Catch a Winner at KiCA Fishing tournament
Kiawah Island Garden Club – The Garden Club meets the second Monday of each month from September to May. The first meeting is Monday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. at the Sandcastle. Annual dues are $15. For more information about the club, speakers, tours and gardening tips, visit the garden club website at www.kiawahgardenclub.com.
Naturalist Group – The first meeting will be a picnic on Sept. 15 at Cinder Creek. The Naturalist Group offers water and land excursions on and off Kiawah. Annual dues are $20 per family, $15 for an individual. For more information contact Ron Ritchie at 768-9120 or [email protected].
ConKerr Cancer Group – This is a volunteer opportunity devoted to making pillowcases to brighten the lives of sick children at MUSC. We will meet the first Monday of September at 9:30 a.m. at the Sandcastle and the third Monday of September at Church of Our Saviour. There will be a schedule change starting in October. For more information contact Shirley Salvo at 768-9263 or 709-1406 (cell). Email is [email protected].
Newcomers – If you are a new resident or know of one, please contact Don and Jo Miller at 843-768-0978 ([email protected]).
POPS Autumn Fest DinnerFriday, Oct. 21 – 6 p.m. at the Sandcastle
Reunite with friends and neighbors after a long, hot summer for the first POPS event of the 2011/2012 season! Enjoy an evening of delicious Italian cuisine and fun on Friday, Oct. 21. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails (an open bar) and a gorgeous view on the Sandcastle veranda. Dinner will follow at 7 p.m.
The chef of the night will be Fred Neuville of The Fat Hen restaurant. The cost is $40 for POPS members and $50 for guests. Make your checks payable to POPS and mail to Carol Regan, 405 Snowy Egret Lane, Kiawah Island, SC 29455. Reservations and cancellations will be accepted until Wednesday, Oct. 12. Remember to renew your membership or join POPS for this year!
This event is very popular and fills up quickly. Space is limited so be sure to get your reservations in early!
On Saturday, Oct. 1 the KICA Lakes Department will be hosting our fifth annual Fishing Tournament! This complimentary tournament is suggested to be a "catch and release" event, open to all members, any visitors staying on the island and island employees. All ages are welcome. This will be a great opportunity to enjoy the bounty of the island's ponds and lakes, share time with neighbors and meet the members of the Lakes Department. Prizes will be awarded for the largest fish, largest fish per category, smallest fish and the most fish caught. Fishing can be done in any pond on the island, but is encouraged at KICA docks, piers and other common property.
Onsite registration and check-in will begin at 10 a.m. at the Canvasback Pond parking area on Flyway Drive. All tournament fishing data sheets are to be
turned in by 3 p.m., with an awards presentation at 3:30 p.m. Individuals wishing to begin fishing before 10 a.m. on the Oct. 1 will need to pre-register. Registration forms are available at www.kica.us (click on About, Departments and Lakes Management) or at the information desk at the Town Hall Visitor's Center (23 Beachwalker Dr.), Night Heron Park Nature Center and the association's maintenance office (20 Kestrel Ct.).
For additional information regarding this year's tournament, including the registration form, data collection sheet and suggested fishing location maps, contact the KICA Lakes Department via email at [email protected] or by phone at 843-768-2315.
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inspire a Child at edufest 2011
What’s gotten into the Red Bays?Many of you have probably never noticed a mid-size tree that is part of the evergreen sub-canopy that makes Kiawah’s maritime forest so lush and intriguing. For the past two years, however, along the parkways, on either side of the leisure trail and even in your own yard, you may have seen clumps of dead brown leaves marring our beautiful landscape. (A diseased red bay tree is pictured left.) The dead leaves belong
to dead and dying red bay trees (Persea borbonia). The red bay tree is native to southern coastal states and is a member of the laurel family, as are sassafras and avocado trees. These red bays not only provide attractive shade and an important food source for woodland creatures, but they also serve as host plants to three types of butterflies.
Why are the red bay trees dying? The culprit is a fungus, dubbed Laurel Wilt Disease, which is spread by an Asian ambrosial beetle (X. gladbratus). The beetle (pictured top right) bores into the bark of the tree to lay its eggs and deposits the Ophiostoma fungus as a food source for the larvae, the fungus then starts to spread through the vascular tissues, thus rendering the tree unable to process water and other nutrients. Once a few dead leaves appear, the tree is doomed.
What can we do about this deadly disease? The answer, according to Dave Achey, director of land management for KICA, is nothing. “The beetles are strong fliers, having a reported range of about sixty miles so it’s hard to have any type of pesticide to control them,” states Achey. Furthermore, the use of pesticides would harm other beneficial insects. While research continues on finding a way to make the red bays resistant to the fungus, the disease is spreading at a rapid rate throughout Louisiana, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina.
Are you sure there is nothing we can do? Achey recommends taking down red bays in your yard that have died or are showing dead leaves. Contrary to rumor, cutting the tree down will not spread the fungus as long as the dead tree is quickly ground into chips and not used as firewood. Achey also reports that his department is growing red bay seedlings, as is the Nature Center. Michael Frees, a Nature Center naturalist and the animal care supervisor, has successfully grown seedlings from seeds donated last fall. Frees advises residents with access to healthy red bay trees to “wait until this fall when the berries harden and put them in an envelope labeled with the approximate street address of the tree. Bring them to us, and we’ll plant them.” The hope, as stated by Frees, is that, once the fungus has run its course, these seedlings can be replanted.
Article contributed by Digest Member Volunteer Frances Boyd.
On Sept. 21, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. both Kiawah and Seabrook will sponsor the first annual EduFest, a complimentary event.
EduFest is a wine and cheese reception that allows us as a community to thank volunteers and to seek out new volunteers and contributors for the five Sea Islands public schools.
In addition to attending the event, members may also make monetary donations to the five Johns and Wadmalaw Island public schools. For more information on how to donate to these schools, visit www.cischarleston.org, contact Communities in Schools at 843-740-6793 or view the article on Page 3 of the July Digest (visit www.kica.us then click on the News tab and then Digest Newsletters in the left-hand sidebar).
Also at EduFest, the newly-printed Sea Islands Cookbook will be on sale. The cookbook features over 200 recipes from residents of Johns, Wadmalaw, Kiawah and Seabrook islands. Proceeds from the cookbook go to benefit Johns and Wadmalaw Island schools. View more info on Sea Islands Cooking in the article on the back cover of this issue of Digest.
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Coming Attractions: Fall Island EventsFor more information or to make reservations for the following events, please contact
the Sandcastle Community Center at [email protected] or at 843-768-3875.
Labor Day WeekendWrap up your summer at the Sandcastle. Throughout the weekend, we will have games and activities for the kids before they head back to school and reality.
On Saturday, following a day-long workshop, the CSO Spiritual Ensemble will give a free concert on Labor Day Weekend at the Sandcastle from 5-6 p.m. This ensemble focuses on African-American spirituals and sacred music in a variety of performance settings. Attire is casual and we hope to see you there. Reservations are requested by Sept. 1.
Solar Energy SeminarSept. 28 at 2 p.m.Did you know that South Carolina is the second best solar resource on the East Coast? As the cost of electricity continues to rise and the cost for implementing solar systems continues to fall, you may be considering the option of “going solar" in your own home. Please join EcoBilt Energy Systems for an informational seminar on solar energy, where they will discuss everything from the basics of how solar works and the process of integrating a solar power system into a home to what homeowners can expect as far as system performance and return on investment. Reservations for this complimentary event are due by Sept. 23.
Kiawah Presents Our WorldThe Our World series picks back up this October with a variety of exciting offerings! On Oct. 6, Our World resumes with a Photography Club presentation entitled, "The Johns Island Project." Details on this event and future presentations will be provided as they become available.
DogtoberfestOct. 22, from 3-6 p.m.Calling all animal lovers! Bring yourself and your furry friend to the fourth annual Dogtoberfest on Oct. 22 at Freshfields Village. This wine tasting will benefit the great cause of animal rescue, with rescue organizations on site to answer questions and show off a selection of adoptable pups, both large and small. Raffle tickets for the event are currently on sale for $1 apiece or seven for $5 at the KICA administrative offices (23 Beachwalker Drive) and the Sandcastle (1 Shipwatch Road), and may also be purchased at the event. You need not be present to win. Event tickets are $20 in advance
($25 at the event) and include a commemorative Dogtoberfest wineglass. All profits will be donated to participating rescues. Each organization will have a selection of animals currently needing homes, and those interested in adoption may sign up to begin the screening process. To purchase raffle or event tickets, contact Sandcastle Member Services. Further details will be provided as they become available.
Calling All Kiawah Island Artists and Artisans!For many years, the bi-annual Kiawah Island arts and crafts fest has provided a venue for all to enjoy the talented creations of island artists and artisans with fine art, photography, quilting, chocolates, woodworking, jewelry, and much more. If you would like to add your talent to the fall event, the Sandcastle welcomes you! From hobbyists to professionals, all are encouraged to participate in our seaside show and sale, held in the Sandcastle's spacious upstairs event room on Nov. 11 from 4-8 p.m. and on Nov. 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The participation fee is $15 for one six-foot table, and $10 for one additional table. Those who wish to bring their own display items, e.g. easels or mirrors, are welcome to bring up to three for a fee of $10 per additional item. Please note that crafts may be limited according to genre and preference will be given in order of reservation. Booth reservations are due by Oct. 14.
Monday, Sept. 12, will be the start of the 2011-2012 Garden Club year. The opening meeting gives an overview of the year's activities and includes discussions with representatives of the Architectural Review Board, Kiawah Conservancy and the Kiawah Island Community Association. This is a great opportunity to present questions about gardening and island issues. The club meets the second Monday of each month from September through May. Refreshments are served at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting/program starts at 10 a.m. at the Sandcastle unless otherwise noted. For more information, visit the club’s website at www.kiawahgardenclub.com. To join the Kiawah Island Garden Club you must also be a member of POPS. A $15/person check payable to POPS may be mailed to Alan and
Sandra Williams at 18 Airy Hall. After securing a POPS membership, Garden Club membership dues ($15) may be sent to club treasurer Florence Dowdy at 87 Bufflehead Dr. Florence will also be accepting membership dues at the club’s first meeting. If you are a new member, have moved, or have a new e-mail address, please be sure to include this information on your check. Save the date - Monday, Oct. 10! The Garden Club will be travelling to Edgewater Park in Charleston. Lois Bryant has arranged a garden tour and luncheon for club members. Details will be discussed at the Sept.12 meeting. The Edgewater Park location is another hidden gem of Charleston. The cost is $15 for a picnic lunch and may be mailed to Florence by Oct. 3. Carpooling from the Sandcastle to the Edgewater area will be provided.
Kiawah garden Club: Green Thumbs at Work
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Seabrook has also had to replace a water line. Joe explained, “The original pipes were ductile or cast iron with no exterior protection, which was the engineering practice at the time of installation. A cast iron pipe in a salt marsh near telephone and electric lines is subject to small electrical currents that make it work like a battery. The pipeline erodes slowly in spots. Today the pipelines are wrapped in long-lasting plastic.”
Joe is completely satisfied with Seabrook’s acquisition. “I know of no downside,” he said. “This is a marvelous opportunity for Kiawah.” He thinks public ownership has been financially beneficial for Seabrook. “We have saved people a lot of money. Municipalities get lower interest rates on borrowed money, pay no county, state or federal taxes, and benefit from the state’s volume purchasing. Seabrook’s commissioners could increase retail rates with each wholesale rate increase but have chosen to change the rate much less frequently. We have only raised rates twice, for capital improvements in 2000, and to compensate for increased wholesale water rates and a slowdown in customer growth this year.”
The transition to management of the utility company was smooth for Seabrook, Joe said. “State statues have two options: either the mayor and town council make decisions and set rates, or you set up an independent utility commission to do that. The state requires six-year staggered terms for the commissioners, to ensure continuity. Seabrook has a commission, which acts like a board of directors and establishes budgets and rates. We think that is preferable to town council members who are elected every two years, with no guarantee of continuity or having the necessary skills. On our three-person commission we try to have financial, operations and engineering experience. We contract with an experienced company to run the utility.”
Joe offered Seabrook’s aid to Kiawah. “Utilities in Charleston County are very helpful. We had help from the Charleston water company and from Isle of Palms and Mt. Pleasant to evaluate what was in place and what we would need in the future. We have had good operations managers all these years, and they do a marvelous job. We have volunteered their help during business hours to anyone from Kiawah who would like information. We want to help you make an informed decision. We already told Steve all the basic things we went through.”
Townsend has also offered support. “We will help with the transition as they wish. We have offered our services, whether for a year or for five, to continue managing or assisting. The existing staff can can handle 90% of the day-to-day operations.”
The decision process will include a public hearing and five public information sessions. A referendum of registered voters is required by South Carolina law before a municipality may acquire any public utility system or plant.
in early August, the town council approved a timeline, since revised to assure maximum imput. Key dates include:
• Sept. 6, 1 p.m. - Public hearing and second reading on budget amendment preceding town Council meeting. Annoucement of selected attorney and engineering firm. KiU aquisition update.
• Sept. 30, 2 p.m. - First public information meeting.• Oct. 5, 7 p.m. - Second public information meeting.• Oct. 15, 9 a.m. - Third public information meeting.• Oct. 25 - Public referendum on the purchase, as required by law. • Nov. 1 - town reviews the referendum results at the town Council
meeting. town Council decides whether to persue purchase.• Nov. 9 - town advises Kiawah Partners (KP) of decision to excercise
right of first offer.• Jan. 6, 2011 - Deadline of town's proposal to KP.
**Note - These dates/times are current as of publication. Dates/times are subject to change. Visit www.kiawahisland.org for the latest info.
Article contributed by Digest Feature Reporter Sue Schaffer.
For Sale: Kiawah’s Water... (Continued from Page 2...)
The Timeline
Do not miss this important opportunity to share interests, concerns, ideas, common problems and common solutions with other Kiawah island regime owners.
in addition to a brainstorming session to highlight issues common to all regime owners, there will be presentations by Peter Miller of Miller Dodson on Regime Capital Reserve Studies, Dan Butts from Wells Fargo Bank on Regime Mortgage Financing, Amanda Mole from Kiawah ARB on Modifications Process, and Chris Drury from Kiawah island Real estate on Market Statistics. Status reports will be made from task forces on financial stability, new materials and technology and the West Beach survey results. Plus, the Renter’s task Force will unveil their new Youtube Video, which was created to express to island rental guests the importance of maintaining Kiawah’s natural beauty.
Roger Warren, KigR president and town Councilman greg VanDerwerker will also be on hand to answer questions. Regime owners are invited to contact Carrie Newbern ([email protected]) with suggestions for topics of discussion at the meeting. For more useful regime information, visit Regimes on the KiCA website at www.kica.us (click on Island Living, then Regimes).
- See you there! -
Regime Executive Council Meeting
-Save the Date-Regime Executive CouncilOct.10,2011•9a.m.
Sandcastle Community Center
D i g e S t
c/o Kiawah Island Community Association23 Beachwalker DriveKiawah Island, SC 29455
Passed down from generation to generation, local cuisine has always been a defining feature of the heritage of the Sea islands. to celebrate this heritage, we are gathering together one of the key ingredients that makes our sea islands so great -- the special recipes from Johns, Kiawah, Seabrook and Wadmalaw islands! Regardless of age, race, religion or creed, food brings folks together. to help us celebrate cooking throughout the community, Sea islands Cooking is publishing a book of sea island recipes. This cookbook includes recipes from adults and children from all four islands. Proceeds from the sales of the book go directly to benefit St. John’s High School, Haut gap Middle School, Angel Oak elementary School, Mt Zion elementary School and edith Frierson elementary School.
The book includes over 200 recipes from all four sea islands, divided into 11 different categories. Categories include entrees, appetizers, soups, salads, breads, desserts, sauces and beverages.
The cookbook is being officially released at eduFest 2011. For more information on this event, view the article on Page 9 of the Digest.
For more information on Sea islands Cooking, email [email protected].
