3
October 2017
Supplemental Assessment (Continued From Previous Page)
KICA has not historically established a natural disaster fund for
several reasons. First, there has been a long-standing philosophy
dating back to Hurricane Hugo in 1989 that these unusual events
are paid for by those who own property at the time events occur.
Property owners didn't pay additional assessments for storm
clean-up costs in the 25+ years between hurricanes Hugo and
Matthew. If the association decided to change this philosophy
and build a storm reserve, it would require the same property
owners that have just paid assessments for Matthew and Irma to
pay even more to build the reserve for the next storm.
In addition, the covenants provide future KICA boards
the authority to use funds in a storm reserve for non-storm
purposes. Chair Singer notes, “Creating a restricted reserve
would require a covenant amendment, which needs a 60%
quorum and a 75% affirmative vote. This is a very high bar,
and considering the low cost of storm damage over the last 30
years, your board believes the problems with creating this type
of reserve outweigh the benefits.”
Singer shares the community’s hope for another long period
without major storm damage, like the 27 years between Hugo
and Matthew. “But the next storm will come eventually, and
so will the next storm assessment. We appreciate our members’
understanding and support as we work together to preserve the
island we all love.”
Sandcastle Renovations Update, Temporary Fitness Center Planned
Planning and permitting for renovations to the Sandcastle
are underway, and construction could begin as early as Nov.
1. KICA COO Jimmy Bailey gave an update on the much-
anticipated project at the Sept. 22 board meeting. Beachwalker Office Park complex next to the Kiawah General
Store. This building will include most, if not all, of the same
fitness machines and weights offered at the Sandcastle, as well
as a relatively comparable amount of space for group fitness.
The facility is set to close on Oct. 25. Recreation staff, community
groups and other events will relocate, (as space allows) to the
KICA Administration offices at the former Municipal Center
building at 23 Beachwalker Drive. The former Town Council
Chambers - now Bobcat Hall - will be the largest meeting room
and will be used for most of the community groups. Several
other rooms of varying size will also be available. If you lead a
community group and need further information about meeting
space, please email [email protected]. “We know that The Sandcastle is a major part of the member
experience, and have worked to minimize disruptions as much
as possible,” said Bailey. “These temporary adjustments should
allow for continued recreation operation while we work to once
again make The Sandcastle one of the premier community
recreation facilities in the country.”
The Sandcastle fitness rooms will also close and be temporarily
relocated to a modular building at the site of the former
The “ambitious” goal is to have the grand reopening in
conjunction with the July 4th holiday, though this date subject
to change.