Council of Villa Associations and Regimes (COVAR) Information

Council of Villa Associations and Regimes Meeting Minutes –

September 12, 2015 The March 14, 2015 meeting minutes were approved.

Property and Landscaping Improvement for Associations/Regimes Panel: Vice President, Gary Quigley facilitated the panel members’ discussion, explaining that panel members brought a wealth of experience to the discussion regarding “aging villas” on Seabrook Island, proposing that the term “aging villas” is not necessarily clear or well understood.

Mayor Terry Ahearn began the presentation by providing a brief history of the topic. Mayor Ahearn explained that there is very little that can be done by the Town of Seabrook Island. He cited examples of past aging property issues, mentioning that there have been about five that he would consider to have had major problems. He stated that while both the Town of Seabrook Island and the SIPOA have been involved in one or two, they have been limited as to what they can do. With regard to use of Town of Seabrook funds, Mayor Ahearn explained that financial resources of the Town are to be used strictly for Emergency/Disasters that could occur on Seabrook Island in the future.

Mayor Pro­Tem Ron Ciancio then discussed specific constraints that the Town of Seabrook Island faces in trying to deal with these issues. The first is a budget constraint as there are no funds allotted for the purpose of refurbishing aging properties. The second is the inability of the Town of Seabrook Island to spend money “behind the gate”, as public funds cannot be spent for private use. Mayor Pro­Tem Ciancio described two statutory authorities that the Town of Seabrook Island does have. One would be the ability of the Town to repair or demolish properties that are detrimental to public safety, or unfit for human habitation. The second would be when the Town has condemnation authority for blighted properties. He explained that in South Carolina there are 15 factors that are considered before seeking this action, five of which must be met and that this process is difficult and can be very costly.

Dan Kortvelesy, Chair, Long Term Planning Committee; Vice Chair, ARC, spoke next suggesting that the term “maturing properties” is a better fit for this topic. He emphasized the importance of having owners, board members and regime/association managers understand that issues occur as properties mature, and that those issues need to be addressed as they are identified. Dan explained the role of the ARC, and referenced the ARC’s Policy and Procedure Manual, citing specific pages and guidelines contained therein, and recommending that owners, villa board members and managers be familiar with this manual as it contains a wealth of information needed to ensure consistency with the policies, procedures and guidelines that were put into place by the ARC. The ARC Policy and Procedure Manual is posted on the SIPOA Website. Dan also suggested that Regime/Association Property Managers, and Villa Board Chairs go out to observe and learn about what is being done in other Regimes that are going through upgrades.

Heather Paton, Executive Director and outgoing Acting ARC Administrator, SIPOA, followed with further insights on the meaning of the term “maturing villas”. She explained that some while some say the villas look “old”, many times it is a difference in taste or personal preference. Heather reminded the participants that any improvements, no matter how slight, must first be approved by the villa’s Board of Directors. She also emphasized the importance for every villa regime/association to have clear, precise architectural standards in place. Architectural standards are vital to having properties look attractive and up to date. Participant questions focused on enforcement of standards and the process for submitting applications for improvements. Heather explained that once there is villa Board approval, regimes have different channels for submitting applications. After discussion, participants suggested that a standard process for submission of applications be established to minimize confusion.

Seabrook Island Club President, Bill Greubel discussed the role of the Seabrook Island Club. He explained that the Club’s primary responsibility is to enhance or augment the natural resources on Seabrook Island through providing various amenities such as the Pelican’s Nest, Beach Club pool, golf courses. The Club’s main focus is on providing an environment where people enjoy their stay, and look forward to coming back. The Club accommodates many potential buyers by providing a place for them to stay and an enjoyable experience while here on Seabrook Island. Guests who come back year after year are potential owners and future Club members. They have a history here and they expect amenities to be attractive and kept up to date. If amenities are not kept up to date, guests and potential owners will not likely want to come back.

Stuart Rumph, Sales Executive, Seabrook Island Real Estate followed with comments regarding properties on Seabrook Island. He explained that with aging properties and current market conditions, the properties that sell quickly are the ones that look good. Stuart stressed the importance of keeping properties looking nice on the outside, noting that a number of properties that have been improved have sold quickly. At the conclusion of his comments, Stuart introduced Linda Olsen, Owner, Change of Space Interiors, LLC, and, Nancy Buck Co­Owner, Coastal Getaways of South Carolina. Linda Olsen specializes in updating properties. Linda assists Seabrook Island Real Estate agents in many situations where updating is needed to help properties sell. Nancy Buck has extensive experience in managing rental properties. Nancy advises owners on the best way to get their properties ready for renting, and keep them renting on a continual basis. Suggestions made by Linda and Nancy included getting ideas by looking at other refreshed properties on the website, painting interiors every five years, re­facing dated cabinets, changing hardware, installing flat screen TVs and in general, looking at simple ways to keep things up to date. Linda Olsen can be reached at 704­277­5078. To contact Nancy Buck, call 843­789­4438. After questions and discussion, President Keener concluded the session by thanking panelists and participants, and inviting participants to view a “before and after” power­point presentation by Linda Olsen.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 PM.