Town Notes
2019 Quarter 3
The Newsletter of the Town of Kiawah Island Town of Kiawah Island • 4475 Betsy Kerrison Drive Kiawah Island, SC 29455 • 843-768-9166 • www.kiawahisland.org
Town Council Passes Ordinance Banning Single-Use Plastic Bags, Plastic Straws and Styrofoam On June 4, 2019, Town Council approved a new ordinance banning single-use plastics on Kiawah Island effective September 8, 2019. With the passing of this ordinance, Town Council intends to protect and preserve the natural environment of Kiawah by regulating the use of materials detrimental to the environment and promote the use of environmentally preferred materials. The ordinance prohibits businesses from distributing: • Single-use plastic carryout bags; • Plastic straws; • Products made from Styrofoam including food service ware and; • On the beach, the ordinance prohibits the possession of single-use plastic carryout bags, plastic straws, Styrofoam, and balloons. Business establishments are encouraged to make reusable carry out bags available for sale, recyclable paper carry out bags available for such distribution and use, and to use locally recyclable and compostable material. Recyclable plastic bags must be a minimum thickness of 4 mils; capable of being cleaned and disinfected and have a minimum lifetime of one hundred twenty-five (125) uses. Request for Exemptions: A grocery establishment or food provider may request an exemption from the requirements of this Ordinance, for a period up to one year, upon written request to the Chairman of the Environmental Committee. The request must show that the Ordinance would create an undue hardship or practical difficulty not generally applicable to other persons in similar circumstances. Requests should be sent to Jim Jordan via email at jjordan@kiawahisland.org or by mail to 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway Kiawah Island, SC 29455.
The Ordinance does not apply to the following list of exemptions: • • • • • • •
Laundry dry cleaning bags, door-hanger bags, ice bags, newspaper bags, or packages of multiple bags intended for use as garbage, pet waste, or yard waste; Bags provided by physicians, dentists, pharmacists or veterinarians to contain prescription drugs or other medical necessities; Bags used inside business establishments to include: - Contain bulk items, such as produce, nuts, grains, candy, or small hardware items; - Contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, or fish, whether or not prepackaged; - Contain or wrap flowers, potted plants or other items to prevent moisture damage to other purchases; or - Contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods Bags used by a non-profit organization or other hunger-relief charity to distribute food, grocery products, clothing, or other household items; Bags of any type that the customer brings to the store for their own use for carrying away from the store goods; Plastic straws necessary for customers with medical or physical conditions; Meat trays, plastic lids used to contain foods and liquids, to-go condiments and cutlery (i.e., forks, spoons, knives)
The complete list of exemptions and a copy of the ordinance can be read at www.kiawahisland.org/latest-news
Jack Kotz
Sylvia Bacon
Town Notes | Q3 Town Office Closures Monday, September 2 — Labor Day
Solid Waste Notices August No change in service.
September Labor Day Service Change: Monday’s trash collection will move to Tuesday, September 3. All other collections will move forward a day. Twice per week trash collection ends after September 7. Brown Trash & Hazardous Collection: Friday, September 6. See adjacent article.
October No change in service.
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Brown Trash & Hazardous Waste Collection - Friday, September 6 All brown trash must be placed on the curb by 7:00 a.m. to ensure collection. Hazardous waste cannot be placed at the curb and must be brought to the Municipal Center (4475 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy.) for disposal between 8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. For larger items such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc., please call Carolina Waste at 843-576-1100 to schedule a pickup at an additional cost. What classifies as Brown Trash? Lawn chairs, grills, folding or beach chairs, mattresses & box springs (single or twin only), bicycles, strollers and small appliances (vacuums, toaster ovens, toasters, microwaves). What classifies as Hazardous Waste? Computers, monitors, televisions, printers, household & garden chemical, used motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, paint and paint remover, varnish, pesticides, batteries, CFL/fluorescent/ incandescent bulbs.
Stay Connected Are you subscribed to the Town’s biweekly email notifications? To be added, send your name and email address to sbraswell@kiawahisland.org.
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Mayor’s Corner Hurricane season is here again. As a storm approaches, the decision facing all of us is whether to leave the island and when. Everyone acts differently, some heading off early and others waiting until the very last minute, or not leaving at all. A few facts about what happens during and after an evacuation might help next time you have to consider leaving ahead of a storm. Who decides that Kiawah should be evacuated? Only the Governor can issue an evacuation order, which may occur when there is believed to be a substantial risk for damage to people and property. Unless and until an evacuation is issued, leaving the island is your choice. What happens when an evacuation order is issued? If an evacuation is declared, you should anticipate that the Town, KICA, commercial businesses, fire, and police will release their employees, so most or all resources and services on the island will cease or wind down quickly. Although the Town cannot initiate an evacuation, we must enforce it. As we did last year, anticipate that access to the island will be restricted but that we will provide latitude, as best we can, for property owners to make their plans, secure their property and time their departure. We are not going door to door forcing residents off the island, but for a lot of good reasons, we need you to take the time you need to secure your property and leave. Remember, a benign-looking storm can grow and change direction quickly and unexpectedly, and this island’s major roads flood quickly. Wait too long, and you may be riding out the storm here. How is the island secured when it is evacuated? The Town, County Sheriff Deputies, and KICA coordinate their actions during and after a storm to assist people in leaving the island and preventing unauthorized persons from accessing the island. In each of the past storms, we retained a minimum number of law enforcement officers and KICA security personnel on the island until it was no longer safe for them to remain, at which point they evacuated. After a storm
has passed, and the island is accessible, law enforcement will return to restrict or manage access to the island at the direction of the Mayor. Who determines when property owners can return? Our goal, shared by both the Town and KICA, is to have the island open for return by property owners when the Governor lifts the general evacuation order or as soon as possible after. A team of Town, KICA, public safety, and utility personnel are staged to assess the island for damage, availability of necessary public services, and accessibility of roads. Anticipate that return to the island, or portions of the island could be delayed until the major roads are cleared, and critical public services especially power and sanitation services, are restored. How can I get the most timely and accurate information? Be sure you subscribe to both the Town’s and KICA’s regular email communications. During a storm, we coordinate our communications and issue emailed bulletins daily or more frequently when required. These contain the latest information from the State, County, Town emergency management groups, fire, police, and utility providers. Following a storm, all information about damage and reopening the island will come from the Town’s emergency team and be communicated through these bulletins. You can follow these updates on the Town’s website or social media sites as well. The Town has no independent source of email addresses for our residents or Kiawah property owners so you must provide us with your email address. To be added, send your name and email address to sbraswell@kiawahisland.org. Local Charleston media provides little Kiawah specific coverage and social media sites, while well-intentioned, are not especially accurate. None of us want to evacuate unnecessarily. It can be costly and a lot of hassle. However, due to our geography, Charleston’s growing population, limited roads leading away from the coast, and the speed at which a storm can change direction and intensity, an evacuation could be ordered well before expected landfall. If that occurs, we will provide the best information we can, but you are going to have to use your judgment about how to act. Let’s all hope for an uneventful hurricane season.
Development Edition of Town Notes
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Most residents know that the Town has two development agreements in place with Kiawah Partners and the Kiawah Island Golf Resort to protect the interests of the Town, property owners and the environment. But what does that mean? Well, that is what we plan to address in a special edition of Town Notes. It is going to cover the benefits and evolution of the two agreements, the established entitlements, the process of how development can and will take place and what's left for future development. We hope to help property owners understand what Kiawah post build out will look like and how it will get there. Keep a look out for the special edition coming this fall.
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Administrative
Town Council Quarter In Review In April, Council
• Viewed a presentation by Town Biologist Jim Jordan on a conceptional Native Plant Demonstration Area Project at the Municipal Center. • Approved the proposal to engage Mauldin and Jenkins, LLC to provide auditing services to the Town for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, with the option to renew for the three subsequent years through June 30, 2022. • Approved the Beachwalker Drive Road Improvement Project (see adjacent article). • Mayor Weaver made a proclamation declaring May 20-27 as National Beach Safety Week. • Approved the 2019 Charitable Contribution Funding Amounts (see adjacent article). • Approved and awarded the bid for inspection services for road improvements and bike path extension on Beachwalker Drive to the Dennis Corporation in the amount of $14,100. • Approved and awarded the construction bid for road improvements and bike path extension on Beachwalker Drive to Truluck Construction in the amount of $ 245,408.
In May, Council • Approved the expenditure of $6,000 for phase 1 of the Municipal Center Native Plant Demonstration Project. • Approved the proposal from The Greenery for landscape services for Town-owned properties. • Approved the State ATAX Funding Amounts recommended by the State ATAX Committee. (see adjacent article) • Approved the proposal from McCormick Taylor for the design, engineering, and construction administrative services for the Kiawah Island Parkway project in an amount not to exceed $277,566. • Approved Resolution 2019-01 to adopt the Revised Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Kiawah has adopted the Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan since 1999 and adopting the plan authorizes the Town to submit for hazard assistance, whether through grants, supplies, or personnel. • Approved the first reading of Ordinance 2019-02 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Town Budget (7/1/19 Through 6/30/20). • Approved the first reading of Ordinance 2019-03 to prohibit the distribution and use of certain single-use plastics (see cover). • Reviewed the Arts Council quarterly summary.
In June, Council • Approved the second and final reading of Ordinance 2019-02 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Town Budget. • Approved the second and final reading of Ordinance 2019-03 to prohibit the distribution and use of certain single-use plastics. (see cover) • Approved an amendment to the Environmental Committee charter, giving them the authority and ability to consider waivers to the proposed single-use plastics ordinance.
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• Approved first amendment to the amended and restated Development Agreement by and between Kiawah Resort Associates and the Town of Kiawah Island to extend the agreement to 2026. Expanded information on the items above are available at www.kiawahisland.org/meetings-minutes/town-council
Beachwalker Drive Road Improvement Project In an effort to ease beach traffic congestion on Beachwalker Drive, the Town of Kiawah contracted with Truluck Construction to add a right turn lane to Beachwalker Drive where it approaches Beachwalker County Park. The project impacted 800 ft. of Beachwalker Drive starting past the second entrance to Inlet Cove.
Report Power Outages the Easy Way Take control of your electric account with SmartHub mobile and web app. SmartHub is fully integrated with Berkeley Electric and delivers account information, mobile payments and more in a safe, secure environment. With the SmartHub app you can: • Report a service interruption • Check your usage • Contact their office • Pay your bill and more The SmartHub app is a free download. Simply go the App store on your mobile device and look for the SmartHub logo. Once the app is installed, select Berkeley Electric Cooperative as your provider and follow the set-up instructions.
STJFD Corner
By: Ryan Kunitzer Fire Marshal | Battalion Chief
Home fire sprinklers and fire alarm systems have been credited with millions of dollars in property preservation since their inception. More importantly, they give occupants vital time to escape a home fire which is essential because with today’s furnishings, house fires burn hotter and quicker than decades ago. Fire sprinklers discharge approximately 25 gallons of water a minute, as opposed to fire hoses which can use over 1,000 gallons per minute. Only the closest fire sprinkler head to the fire will activate. Fire alarm detection systems with monitored smoke alarms provide early detection and give the fire department critical time to respond and mitigate the incident in its infancy. Maintenance of these systems is vital to their successful operation and reduction in nuisance alarms or false alarms. If your home has a fire alarm system or home fire sprinkler system, ensure that it is being maintained yearly by a qualified professional. If you have questions regarding fire alarm, detection systems or home fire sprinklers, please contact Chief Fire Marshal Ryan Kunitzer at r.kunitzer@stjfd.org or call 843-559-9194.
Charitable Contributions Given the available resources, each year the Town of Kiawah supports a variety of charitable and educational organizations through its Charitable Contribution Fund. The Town allocates up to 30% from the change in the fund balance of the general fund each year, not to exceed $150,000. This year, the Town received 30 applications totaling $318,611. Priority is given to applicants whose primary objectives are philanthropy and social well-being. Priority is also given to organizations who operate with a large volunteer base, collaborate with other organizations, leverage funding sources and whose maximum impact is on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands. On April 2, Town Council approved the 2019 Charitable Contribution recommendations made by the Ways and Means Committee. Below is the list of organizations that received funding: AMOR Healing Kitchen $ 1,500.00 Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island $ 2,000.00 $ 20,000.00 Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic Barrier Island Little League $ 5,000.00 Begin with Books $ 2,500.00 $ 2,150.00 Bridges for End-of-Life $ 7,076.00 Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding Helping and Lending Outreach Support $ 3,850.00 Kiawah Cares Foundation $ 9,424.00 Kiawah Women's Foundation $ 7,000.00 $ 9,500.00 Lowcountry Food Bank Operation Home $ 6,500.00 Operation Sight $ 4,000.00 Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach $ 20,000.00 Reading Partners $ 5,000.00 $ 5,500.00 Respite Care Charleston Sea Islands Blessing Basket $ 3,000.00 Sea Island Habitat for Humanity $ 10,000.00 Sea Islands Water Wellness Mission $ 19,500.00 Teachers Supply Closet $ 6,500.00 Total Budgeted Funds Awarded $ 150,000.00
Don't Forget Beginning October 1, 2020, your South Carolina driver's license or identification card must have a gold star to show it's a REAL ID in order to board a domestic, commercial flight, enter a secure federal building, or visit a military installation. If you have a valid US Passport, military ID, or another federal identification that is accepted by airport security, you may use that instead of changing your SC license or ID to a REAL ID. You can obtain your REAL ID in person at the DMV or you may be eligible to apply for a REAL ID online. To see if you are eligible, visit www.scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/Drivers-License/REAL-ID For more information call 803-896-5000 or email REALID@scdmv.net.
State Accommodations Tax Awarded State Accommodation Tax is a 2% tax on gross proceeds derived from the rental or charges for accommodations furnished to transients. From this tax, the state then distributes roughly 85% of the amount it collects to municipalities to drive back into the community. Revenues from this tax must be spent on advertising and promotion of tourism-related activities and expenditures. The Town selects members from the hospitality and lodging industries, as well as from the community at large to serve on the State Accommodation Tax Committee. Each year, the committee reviews the applications and makes recommendations to the Ways and Means Committee on how the Town’s tourism-related funding should be allocated during the following budget year. Ways and Means recommendations then go before Town Council for approval. In May, Town Council approved the following State Accommodation Tax Committee funding recommendations for FY 2018/2019: Applicant/Project
Funded
Freshfields Village Events Promotion
$15,000
Freshfields Village Marketing & Advertising
$33,000
Kiawah Island Golf Resort Public Access Events
$435,000
Kiawah Island Motoring Retreat Cars of Kiawah
$15,000
Professional Golfers Association of America 2021 PGA Championship
$120,000
Town of Kiawah Island Beach Patrol
$100,000
Town of Kiawah Island Charleston County Sheriff Deputies
$382,000
Total Funding
$1,100,000
Budget At A Glance Have you ever wondered how the Town's budget is managed, where the money comes from or where it is spent? The Town provides its financial information at www.kiawahisland.org/transparency. The Town also publishes an annual budget at a glance report that summarizes the next years budget outlook and spending. Look for the updated 2019-2020 budget at a glance report coming in August in the Town’s biweekly e-news.
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Rusty Lameo Retires By: Chris Widuch, Council Member
June 28th was momentous day for the Town of Kiawah’s longest serving employee, Rusty Lameo. Rusty joined the Town of Kiawah Island in January of 1997 after answering a help wanted ad for “Support Services.” It wasn’t a particularly well-defined job, but the Town recognized that with growth came new and unexpected challenges. Rusty’s interview was held in a construction trailer next to the old Resorts Recreation Office in West Beach, and within days he had a job offer. He moved his family from Charlotte and quickly realized the most important part of his job description was the final line on the page, “… and all other duties assigned.” Since then Rusty has served under six mayors, eleven Town Councils, and has watched the island grow from a hidden gem into one of the most popular resort communities on the east coast. The majority of his career was spent as the Town’s senior code enforcement officer implementing Town ordinances covering everything from littering, pet control, beach rules and regulations, and business licensing. With Public Safety also a part of his role he worked alongside Charleston County Deputies, KICA, Resort security, and the beach patrol to help respond to any island incidents. He has had a front row seat for Kiawah’s development and been involved in some of the island’s most interesting events, many of which are now local lore. Among his more interesting adventures, Rusty was the point man to remove a stranded, fully equipped, shrimping boat from our beach. It wasn’t his first experience with a wayward boat; he was involved in the recovery of a 32’ boat stranded on a sand bar off Kiawah’s coast. On his approach to the stranded craft, he plucked various items out of the ocean, including photographs, small electronic items, and even a bicycle. On his way back from the wreck he recovered a briefcase floating in the water. Inside were the personal papers of the owner, medicines, and $3,000 in cash. Rusty made sure it was all returned to the grateful skipper. After a particularly harsh storm causing severe beach erosion, Rusty was called to examine a relic right out of history. Arriving on the beach, slightly north of Windswept Villas, Rusty found himself standing atop a thin layer of sand and a strange, elongated wooden structure. Eventually a University of South Carolina professor identified the mysterious item as the inverted hull of a 19th century shipwreck long ago buried by the accreting beach. Our beach was also the landing zone for two very large bales of marijuana. After DEA agents determined the salt water inundation destroyed the contents, Rusty was charged with getting rid of the packages. Rusty remains tight lipped about how he accomplished his mission. Not content to responding to odd calls and discoveries, Rusty was an eye witness when a car careened off the guard rail just past the Kiawah bridge, losing control and plunging into the river. The driver, a well-dressed man in a suit and tie, scrambled out of the water and back onto dry land. He was thrilled to see Rusty there, willing and able to help. From the mundane to the thrilling, from removing dead animals on the road to watching Marine One land at the Ocean Course, Rusty has been the point person for residents who need assistance on a wide and varied range of issues. He plans to retire to Myrtle Beach. He and his wife Carol have purchased a home within two blocks of the
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ocean and are planning to visit Yellowstone, Italy, and several places yet undecided. In addition to travel, Rusty is looking forward to stress free days and time with friends and family. He will have a wide range of stories to share with them all—of a career where he had an impact on the lives of coworkers, residents, visitors, and the remarkable development of Kiawah Island. It turns out the phrase in his job description twenty-three years ago, “…and all other duties assigned,” was code for “problem solver in chief.” Our best wishes for a long and healthy retirement.
GROW NATIVE One recommendation in the Flood Mitigation and Sea Level Rise report is to restore native plant habitat to help protect and preserve the island’s ecosystem. Although the Town and other entities are working on this, there are steps property owners can take to make their own properties more resistant to flooding, storm surge, and sea level rise. A simple first step is for owners to install more native plants on their property. Native plants have a direct impact on the ecosystem and are a vital part of a region’s ability to adapt to natural events. When natural protection mechanisms like native plants decline, the environment’s ability to sustain regular ecological changes is reduced and negatively impacted. Specifically, natives provide watershed protection by filtering water naturally flowing into rivers and estuaries, protect marsh and pond borders, lessen erosion, and improve resistance to flooding, while at the same time providing critical habitat for our local wildlife. Nonnatives are unable to endure natural occurrences like storm surge and saltwater intrusion, because they lack the biological chemistry needed to persevere. Further, the effect of saltwater intrusion on nonnatives will almost always result in costly replacement of landscaping. Resident involvement is needed to increase the use of native plants in landscaping projects on the island. Residents can help by encouraging their landscapers to plant natives in their yards, directing their landscape architects to use natives in future projects, and renovating existing landscapes to include native plants. Earlier this year, the Town released the Grow Native online native plant database as a resource to help promote the use of native plants and serve as a resource for residents, landscapers, landscape designers, and other island entities. Explore www.grownativekiawah.com and take part in this community-wide effort. If you have questions about growing native, email Jim Jordan at jjordan@kiawahisland.org.
The Town, in cooperation with other island entities, is taking a proactive approach to address flooding and sea level rise. It is imperative to take appropriate and calculated steps to ensure the sustainability and protection of the island. Solutions will take time to develop and will require the cooperation of all the entities and property owners. Adaptation will require a long-term commitment from the Town and all island entities.
What’s been done?
2017 Spring - The Town's Environmental Committee formed a subcommittee on Flood Mitigation and Sea Level Rise to identify steps Kiawah could take to address increased flooding frequency and adapt to future water level changes.
2018 April — The Town’s Landscape Working Group subcommittee was
formed and launched the Grow Native Initiative as a community-wide effort to increase the use of native plants in landscaping projects across the Island with an overall goal of improving wildlife habitat, improving resistance to saltwater intrusion in flooding events and provide essential watershed protection.
July — The Flood Mitigation and Sea Level Rise subcommittee completed the Flood Mitigation and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Report (FMSLR). The report identified ways rising seas might impact Kiawah, identified potential vulnerabilities, and made recommendations that Kiawah could take to mitigate those vulnerabilities. To view the full report and summary, visit www.kiawahisland.org/floodandsealevelrise. August — The final FMSLR report was endorsed by the Environmen-
tal Committee.
September — Town Council reviewed the FMSLR report and, with the involvement of other community entities, began working to develop strategies to meet the challenges including the roles and responsibilities of each entity.
2019 January — The Town formed a partnership with the
College of Charleston to support the research of Lucas Hernandez, a Master of Environmental Studies/Master of Public Administration candidate, researching flooding issues in the Lowcountry. Lucas used Geographic Information System (GIS) models to simulate various flooding scenarios to assess the impacts of sea level rise and flooding events on Kiawah.These models are able to predict impacts and identify specific areas of vulnerability.
Environmental
Flood Mitigation & Sea Level Rise Update
April — The Town, in collaboration with the Kiawah Conservancy, released the Grow Native plant database to help promote the use of native plants on the Island and serve as a resource for residents, landscapers, landscape architects, landscape designers, and other entities. www.grownativekiawah.com (see article on pg.6) June — The Community Association hired Lucas Hernandez as the
Island’s Resilience Specialist to serve as a resource to all island entities. The Resilience Specialist role was a recommendation from the FMSLR report. His focus will be on coordination and integration of various strategies to address sea level rise, flooding, environmental issues that challenge sustainable living in a coastal community, and position Kiawah as a forward-thinking coastal community prepared to deal with these challenges. Specifically, he will assist with planning and prioritization of infrastructure projects that optimize the island’s drainage capabilities, assist the Town with the preparation of projects that prevent inundation, and coordinate the use of GIS or other mapping technology between entities.
June — The Town contracted with engineering firm McCormick
Taylor to recommend practical approaches to raise the elevation of Kiawah Island Parkway from Mingo Point to Kiawah Island Real Estate Office to accommodate sea level rise, increased tide elevations, and sunny day flooding.
July —The Town’s Planning Director, John Taylor, will present a draft to the Planning Commission of a two-year action plan to address flooding and sea level rise on Kiawah.
November — Town Council began their initial response to the FMSLR report by adopting the following actions: • Adopted, for planning purposes, the report’s recommendation that
a range of 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 feet of sea level rise over a 30- to 50-year time horizon is considered most likely based upon current scientific research and will be reconsidered by Town Council at least every five years.
July 30-Aug. 3 | Aug. 28 - Sept. 1
• Instructed staff to prepare for review and approval by the Planning
Sept. 25 - Oct. 2 | Oct. 26-31 | Nov. 25-28
Commission amendments to the Environmental, Land Use and Priority Investments elements of the Comprehensive Plan to incorporate the needs assessment and goal implications of the FMSLR report.
• Set a goal to adopt by the third quarter of 2019, a two-year action
plan to address the goals adopted by the Planning Commission in the Comprehensive Plan.
The term "King Tide" is used to describe the highest seasonal tides that naturally occur each year. In some cases, they may barely even be noticed. In other cases, a King Tide may cause flooding of low-lying areas and disruption to normal daily routines. This is particularly true when a King Tide event coincides with significant precipitation because water drainage and runoff is impeded. Please be aware that the dates listed above are when the next King Tides could affect the 7 island.
Kiawah’s Rising Deer Population By: Jim Jordan, Wildlife Biologist
White-tailed deer are very adaptable creatures and a common sight on all parts of Kiawah Island. Deer populations in suburban areas like Kiawah can become overabundant, increasing the risk of deer-vehicle collisions, zoonotic diseases, and damage to the surrounding environment. On Kiawah Island, deer numbers are monitored using spotlight surveys. Town Biologists have conducted surveys for deer since 1997. Surveys are conducted in early fall and late winter each year and then averaged together to create an annual estimate of deer density, expressed as deer per square mile. The graph above provides densities since 1997 and clearly shows an increase in deer numbers in recent years. Bobcats are the main deer predator on the island and have historically kept deer numbers in check. Data from the Town’s ongoing Bobcat GPS study suggests that Kiawah’s bobcat population has declined significantly in the last 2-3 years, likely due to habitat loss and a subsequent increase in mortality rates. This is a concerning trend that we hope can be reversed through a concerted effort to create and protect vital bobcat habitat on the island. It is also one of the primary reasons the Town launched its Grow Native program. The Grow Native initiative (www.grownativekiawah.com) is a community-wide effort to increase the use of native plants in landscaping projects across the island with an overall goal of improving wildlife habitat. Along with these efforts, Town Biologists are also currently evaluating management options to reduce deer numbers.
Turtle Patrol Update Turtle patrol had a surprising start to the season when they found the first sea turtle nest on April 26 in between the Beach Club and the Ocean Course. This was surprising considering nesting season does not begin until mid-May. It was also the first nest for the season in the state of South Carolina. As of June 30, 411 nests have been found. Don’t miss out on all the pictures from this season! Follow us on social media! Please remember May through October all outdoor lighting facing the beachfront should be turned off from 9:00 p.m. to dawn. Artificial light such as flashlights, cellular phones, and cameras without filters are prohibited on the beach at night. Nesting females look for dark beaches to lay their eggs. Bright lights confuse them, causing them to abandon the beach in search of a more suitable spot. Hatchling turtles use the natural light to navigate to the ocean after leaving the nest. Mistaking artificial lights for the moon or sun, hatchlings quickly become disoriented, wandering into backyards, swimming pools, storm drains and busy roads. Free red flashlight filters are available at the Municipal Center and the Nature Center.
Evaluation Web Page The Town hosts a centralized web page for turtle patrol nest evaluations. All summer long this page will be updated by our dedicated patrol members. If you are interested in accompanying the patrol to see a nest evaluation, visit www.kiawahturtle.com.
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New
Stop by the Turtle Patrol table at the Freshfields Village Farmers Market and get your very own Turtle Patrol sticker! The Farmers Market is open on Mondays through August 26 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Timbers Kiawah and Peter Millar have partnered to create a limited-edition beach cruiser to raise awareness for the conservation of Kiawah Island Loggerhead sea turtles. The partnership will offer the exclusive, new bikes to residents of Timbers Kiawah and will also have a limited release available for sale to the public. All proceeds from the bike sales will be donated to the Town of Kiawah Turtle Patrol program. Cruisers are available for $1,200 and can be purchased by calling 843-300-1646. The cruisers have been featured in Newsweek, Women’s Wear Daily, Southern Living and Coastal Living.
Strong reading skills are the foundation of learning and essential to a student’s academic success. In the 4th grade, students are expected to transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” Without proficient reading skills at this stage, students fall behind and are more likely to drop out of school before earning their diploma. That is where Reading Partners steps in! Since 1999, Reading Partners’ overarching goal has been to help close the reading achievement gap for children living in poverty by producing measurable improvement in their reading skills and putting them back on track by that key milestone.
Reading Partners builds partnerships with Title I schools, working with teachers, parents, and community volunteers to provide students the support they need to succeed. They serve thirteen schools in Charleston County including Angel Oak Elementary on Johns Island and Edith L. Frierson Elementary on Wadmalaw Island as well as three schools in Berkeley County.
Giving Back
Charitable Contribution Spotlight To encourage reading outside the classroom and to prevent reading loss during the summer, Reading Partners secures free, age-appropriate books for students home libraries through their After the Bell campaign.
Reading Partners has been a reoccurring recipient of the Town’s charitable contribution funding since 2017. Last year, they received $5,000 to support 90 struggling readers attending Angel Oak Elementary on Johns Island and Edith L. Frierson Elementary on Wadmalaw Island. Over 4,000 books are utilized at these two partner schools. At both schools, 100% of students in the program are living in low-income families, and all were eligible for free/reduced lunches in 2017/2018. If you are interested in becoming involved in the program or becoming a tutor with Reading Partners please visit https://readingpartners.org/ volunteer or contact Christine Messick, Community Engagement Manager, at (843) 860-3915.
The program focuses on students in grades K-5 who are one month to 2 ½ years behind in skill level. Twice a week during school hours, the students practice essential reading comprehension skills and develop their vocabularies with the individualized support of their tutor. At both Angel Oak and Frierson, they have transformed a dedicated classroom space into a fun, book-filled reading center managed by a full-time staff and AmeriCorps member. Each lesson begins with tutors reading aloud to their student, and then the pair discuss the content and vocabulary. Typically, students have the same tutor throughout the semester, which produces an impactful bond. Volunteers aren’t just tutors, they’re trusted coaches. The K-2 students master foundational literacy skills, including alphabet, sight words, and phonics. The 3rd and 4th graders focus on developing complex reading skills, such as comprehension, which are indicators of reading proficiency.
In May, Mayor Craig Weaver and Council Member Klaus Said visited a Reading Partners class at Angel Oak. (Left to right: Mayor Craig Weaver; Bonnie Bella, Director of Development & Strategy; Katie Qualls, Program Director; Lucas Adams, Program Manager; Council Member Klaus Said)
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Public Safety
Hurricane Season Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 with the greatest frequency of storms occurring from August 15 to October 15, with September being the most likely time for an occurrence. On May 24, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center released their 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season outlook forecasting a 75-percent chance that the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season will be near-or above-normal.
NOAA's forecasters predict a likelihood of nine to 15 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which four to eight could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including two to four major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
Evacuations Happen When a hurricane threatens South Carolina’s coast, you may plan to leave voluntarily or you may be ordered to evacuate. The Governor is the only one who issues an evacuation. However based on reports from the National Weather Service and Charleston County EMD, the Mayor may issue a recommendation to evacuate the island. By evacuating early, you will be able to pick your own evacuation route. If you wait for an evacuation order, you will be required to take a designated route based on your evacuation zone. You will not be permitted to deviate from this preplanned route. You are strongly encouraged to leave early before an evacuation order is issued.
Reminder After an evacuation order is issued and completed, Kiawah Island Utility and Berkeley Electric may power down their services in order to protect their equipment. If you chose to remain on-island, you may not have power or water until a post disaster damage assessment has been performed. There could be no medical, fire, rescue or police assistance available on the island. Even after the event, depending on the damage to the island, you may not get assistance for several days.
Re-entry Procedure Re-entry procedures will vary depending on the severity of the natural disaster but will generally be performed in stages. Do not attempt to return to the island before the ALL CLEAR has been given by Town officials. Re-entry information will be disseminated via CodeRED, email notification, the Town website and social media.
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Disaster Awareness
Evacuation Route > Road S-20 (Bohicket/Main Rd.) to US 17. > US 17 south to SC 64, where you will go to Walterboro, then to North Augusta.
Sign up for CodeRED With hurricane season upon us, it is important that residents are signed up for the Town's emergency notification system CodeRED. CodeRED is used to communicate in emergency situations or critical community alerts such as evacuation notices, boil water notices, tornado warnings, and flash flood notices. Notifications are sent via voice, text and email based on your preferences. You must be registered to receive. Register at www.kiawahisland.org/disaster-preparedness
Be ared Prep Did you miss Disaster Awareness Day? No problem! The Town has updated emergency guides available for the community including the 2019 hurricane guides, earthquake guides, flood maps and more. Stop by the Municipal Center and get yours today or download the updated guides at www.kiawahisland.org/disaster-preparedness
Shop | Sip | Socialize | Stay
Events @
Fall Sip & Stroll
September 19 | 4:00-7:00 p.m. October 7 | 4:00-7:00 p.m.
www.freshfieldsvillage.com
Cars & Coffee
Sip and shop your way through the Village as participating stores and restaurants offer light snacks and beverages along with special sales, trunk shows, and promotions.
July 20, August 17, September 21 and October 19 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Fall Music on the Green
Calling all car enthusiasts! Arrive in your favorite ride for Cars and Coffee at Freshfields Village on the 3rd Saturday of every month. The free event will feature antiques, classics, exotics, concepts and any other cool cars. Coffee and other refreshments available for purchase by Java Java Coffee House.
Join Freshfields for a special fall edition of Music on the Green featuring a party band playing hits from a variety of genres. Vendors will be set up with food and beverages for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.
Summer Farmer’s Market Mondays through August 26 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Pick from the freshest produce and local crafts at the weekly summer Farmer’s Market featuring local certified organic produce, fresh local seafood, packaged and prepared food including jams, jellies, pecans, olive oils, sweets, handmade pasta, and more as well as Lowcountry crafts.
Summer Starlight Cinema Series Wednesdays through August 21 | 8:30 p.m.
Each Wednesday through August 21, guests can bring a blanket, chair, and picnic and enjoy a free family outdoor movie under the stars. The schedule of movies is available at www.freshfieldsvillage.com.
Music on the Green
Fridays through August 30 | 6:00-9:00 p.m. The free, family friendly concerts featuring a variety of music from regional bands including Carolina Beach music, Motown, Top 40, Country and more! Vendors will be set up with food and beverages for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. The schedule of performers is available at www.freshfieldsvillage.com.
Friday, October 4 | 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Dogtoberfest
Saturday, October 26 | 1:00-5:00 p.m. Guests are invited to bring their furry friends to the Village for a Pet Expo and Wine Tasting benefiting local animal rescues. The Pet Expo is free and family friendly with activities including an adoptable meet & greet with local rescue groups, pet vendors, a dog costume contest, wine tasting and live music.
Pet-Friendly Establishments Freshfields Village is pet-friendly! From events to shops, they are making it even easier to find out where your pets can join you. Pet-friendly stores around the Village will now have a decal in their windows letting you know your pets are welcome inside. You can bring your well-behaved, leashed pooch with you while you shop, and many stores offer water bowls outside and tasty treats for your companion. Additionally, restaurants will now showcase a window decal designating that they have a pet-friendly patio. After a day of shopping, you can bring your leashed companion by for a bite to eat and cool down. Also coming to the Village on June 27 is DogSpot, a smart sidewalk sanctuary, providing your dog a safe and cozy home while you briefly go into an establishment they are not permitted (like the grocery store). The DogSpot will be conveniently located next to the kiosk and Harris Teeter patio allowing you to bring your dog to the Village and not risk tying them up or leaving them in the car.
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0 2 0 2 / 9 1 20 Season
INTRODUCING A NEW TICKET SYSTEM
The Arts Council is upgrading its ticket software to better serve you. Dear Patrons, Over the past year, we have been overjoyed to see record registrations for our events. In an effort to make each event accessible to those who want to attend, we will be utilizing a NEW online-only ticket system and charging a $10 fee for more events in the 2019/2020 season. We believe these changes will improve the experience for all attendees. Changes include: • • •
Kiawah Residents will now have online access to early release tickets Electronic ticket scanners will replace cumbersome check-in processes All tickets will be purchased through a secure, user friendly online system
Are you a Kiawah resident? Register for your early access code now. It only takes a minute to register as a resident and receive your early access code. Visit kiawahisland.org/artscouncil
THE 2019/2020 SEASON PLANNER WILL BE RELEASED IN LATE JULY Sign up for Arts Council biweekly emails to recieve your copy as soon as it is available! Email Keely Laughlin at klaughlin@kiawahisland.org to be added to the list.
Coming Up MORANZ ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 East Beach Conf. Center | 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10 Ticket Release: 7/9
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE: CJO PLAYS THE BEATLES
Sunday, August 11, 2019 East Beach Conf. Center | 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $25 Tickets Available Now
TICKETS: WWW.KIAWAHISLAND.ORG/EVENTS