Brian Gottshalk

The meeting addressed procedural matters for the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), outlining its jurisdiction over appeals, variances, and special exceptions, and the required voting majority for decisions. The main discussion focused on Case Number BZA25-000015, a request from 51 Eugenia LLC for a variance to reduce the required 15-foot side setback by approximately 50 square feet to install a proposed generator stand. Staff presented the criteria for granting variances, noting exceptional conditions such as the presence of large live oak trees and an adjacent beach access pathway that constrain placement options. The applicant argued the variance was necessary for emergency preparedness given frequent power outages. The board reviewed approval criteria including whether the conditions were unique to the property and if the ordinance prohibition would unreasonably restrict property utilization. Questions were raised regarding landscaping compliance, the location of HVAC units (which are geothermal and internal), and why the rear setback was not viable for placement.

The Ways and Means Committee meeting covered the approval of previous minutes with minor edits, followed by citizen comments (none received). The committee reviewed the monthly budget report, which showed revenues exceeding last year's collection, with positive projections for business licenses and building permits, while expenditures were generally in line with the budget or under. Specific potential budget savings were noted in personnel costs related to a resiliency officer position, administration and operations (due to lower spending on town-organized events, maintenance costs, and legal services), and consulting services (due to timing delays on zoning ordinance updates and stormwater management reviews). A significant projected saving was noted in public safety resources related to contracting deputies. Discussions also involved establishing a design review board and amending the planning fee schedule to include new fees categorized by use type (single family, multi-family, commercial), noting the fees for design review board are higher due to a more involved review process.

The Town Council meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a roll call confirming a quorum. Citizen comments primarily focused on the drafted noise ordinance, with a representative from Kioa requesting that the ordinance's restrictions for commercial landscaping companies be altered to align with the existing golf course maintenance carve-out, citing concerns over operational timing (starting before 8 a.m.) and scope (location and holiday exclusions). Another commenter supported remanding the dock designation issue back to the planning commission for further due diligence. The council also heard a presentation from Molden Jenkins regarding the internal controls assessment of the finance department. The assessment concluded that financial internal controls are adequately designed and generally function as intended, though two minor findings related to credit card documentation and procurement activity were noted, primarily stemming from reputational risk considerations.

The Ways and Means Committee meeting, conducted in the absence of the chairman, focused primarily on the approval of Ordinance 2025-17, which mandates updates to the business license fee schedule every two years, as required by South Carolina Act 176, based on IRS profitability analysis. The Finance Director presented that the reclassification, which moves some businesses to a lower class, is estimated to decrease revenue by approximately $65,000, though this estimate is offset by projected increases in accommodation tax revenue. The staff recommended maintaining current rates despite the classification changes. The committee voted to recommend the staff's proposal to council. Additionally, a pending contract approval for Kaplia Co. as architect of record for the civic and cultural center design was removed from the new business agenda due to unresolved negotiation issues. A first-quarter financial report was also presented, showing fund balances at approximately $49.6 million, with revenues performing in line with expectations, noting higher-than-anticipated revenues from business licenses and building permits due to fee increases from the previous year. Expenditures were generally consistent with the budget, though notable costs related to flooding were mentioned, pending insurance reimbursement.

The 2025 Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Kiawah Island provides a strategic framework to guide the community's future. It outlines a vision for a harmonious residential community and world-class resort within a preserved maritime setting, balancing quality development with natural preservation and prioritizing resilience. The plan is structured around four strategic pillars: Managing Development and Growth, Community Experience, Infrastructure, and Resiliency.