Chris Makowski: TOKI's New Communications Manager |
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Chris Makowski, the Town’s new Communications Manager, joined on Jan. 24, 2022. Before launching his career with the Town, Makowski worked as the Social Media Specialist for Berkeley Electric Cooperative. Originally from Erie, PA, Makowski moved to Charleston to study Marketing and Communications at Charleston Southern University.
"Ironically, Kiawah Island has been my family's vacation destination for years, and it's like a second home to me," Makowski said. "At a young age, I promised myself that I would eventually do what I love in a place I love. To say I’m honored is an understatement.”
Outside of work, Makowski enjoys music, sports, and spending time with his family. He and his wife Hayley are excited to soon welcome their first baby girl, Parker Everly Makowski, into the world.
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Navigating the Increasing Deer Population |
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Since 1997, Town Biologists have monitored Kiawah's deer population by conducting biannual (fall and winter) spotlight surveys. Survey data from each set of surveys are averaged to calculate the annual deer density estimate, expressed as deer per square mile.
Town Biologists recently completed the winter deer survey, and the 2021 deer density estimate is 127 deer per square mile. This is the highest deer density on record for Kiawah Island, though it only slightly increased from the 2020 density estimate of 123 deer per square mile. See chart.
Kiawah’s deer population has risen dramatically since 2017, due primarily to the decline in bobcat numbers from the impacts of second-generation anticoagulants (SGAs). Visit www.savekiawahbobcats.com for more information on this issue.
In response to the increasing deer numbers and deer-related traffic accidents, Town Council approved implementing a deer harvest program in 2020. The first harvest of 100 deer took place in January 2021. The second harvest of 200 deer was recently completed in February 2022. The Town donated a total of 5,300 pounds of ground venison from this year’s crop, as follows:
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FY 22/23 State Accommodations Tax Application |
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The State Accommodations Tax Fund (SATAX) application is posted to allow interested parties the opportunity to apply for SATAX funds. These funds will be awarded to the successful applicant that meets SATAX guidelines as defined by State law. Applications are due by 2:00 pm on April 1, 2022. The SATAX Committee will review these applications on April 19, 2022, at 1:00 pm. Read more.
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- Garbage (green can) and recycling (gray can) must be placed inside the cans to ensure collection.
- Cardboard/cardboard boxes must be broken down and placed inside either the recycling or garbage cans (recycling encouraged).
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Any items left outside of the can will not be collected.
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Overflow garbage, recycling, and cardboard can be taken to the large capacity compactors at the Kestrel Court Recycling Center. Containers are material-specific and signage is posted to help residents identify which containers to use. Individuals found leaving items outside of the containers will be subject to a $500 fine plus assessments.
Paper Shredding
Friday, April 29th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Town Hall
Residents that cannot wait for the next collection can take items to the Bees Ferry Landfill located at 1344 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston (West Ashley). Due to COVID-19, patrons must unload their own items.
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Art of Conservation - Speaker Event |
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Today, March 16 at 4 pm, the Kiawah Conservancy will host The Art of Conservation, an exciting presentation by Erin Simon (Head, Plastic Waste & Business, World Wildlife Fund) and Aurora Robson (Environmental Artist). Simon and Robson will discuss plastic pollution, art, conservation, and more.
The event will be held at the Kiawah Island Town Hall (4475 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy, Johns Island, SC 29455).
Click here for more information.
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Beach Leash Ordinance Seasonal Change |
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As a reminder, from March 15 - October 31, dogs must be on a leash at all times on the beach from the western Critical Habitat Area (near Beachwalker County Park) to the eastern boundary of the Beach Club. Electronic leashes are prohibited. View the pet restraint map here.
Dogs are never allowed in the dunes, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Beach Patrol and Code Enforcement officers enforce leash ordinances authorized to ticket offenders, resulting in fines up to $465. Report non-compliance to Beach Patrol (843-518-2880).
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Alligator Mating Season Approaching |
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Alligators are common on Kiawah, basking on pond edges or lazily swimming in the numerous ponds. The warmer weather of spring triggers breeding activity in alligators. Read the timeline below on what you can expect.
April – Alligator courtship beings
May – Mating season begins and continues through June. During this time, alligators are more active and mobile and, therefore, more visible around the island. Male alligators participate in mating rituals that announce their presence with a low bellowing sound to attract their mates and slap the water with their jaws and lift their tails high, causing vibrations through the water.
June and July – Females begin building nests from mud, plants, and sticks to lay eggs. They often choose the edges of ponds that have healthy vegetation for protection.
Kiawah was intentionally developed to integrate closely with nature, and with that, precautions must be taken. Living with alligators requires constant awareness, respect, and caution. Read more
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Piano Bar - Glenn Brown
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
The Sandcastle | 5 - 7 p.m.
No Tickets Required
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Charleston Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert
Sunday, March 27, 2022
Holy Spirit Catholic Church| 5 p.m.
No Charge But Tickets Required
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College of Charleston Young Artist
Monday, March 28, 2022
Turtle Point Clubhouse| 7:30 p.m.
$10 per Ticket
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Previously mentioned announcements:
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Upcoming Committee Meetings |
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Board and Zoning Appeals – March 21 | 3 p.m.
Ways and Means Committee - March 28 | 3 p.m.
Arts Council Board - April 5 | 10 a.m.
Town Council - April 5 | 2 p.m.
Procedures
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Town Council meetings are always live-streamed on the Town's YouTube channel. Other committees that conduct their meetings in person where the public can attend are not live-streamed.
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Agendas are available here and will reference the meeting's location. Dates, times, and locations sometimes change. Before planning to attend a meeting, check our website.
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