Debate on committee candidate

Continued from Page 8 sory Committee; Michael Reynolds for a first term on the Marine Activities Advisory Committee; and Laura Scharle for a second term on the Rec and Parks Advisory Committee.

There was discussion about Amy Peck’s appointment. Director Doug Parks said he could not, in good conscience, vote to support Peck and thus abstained.

Director Colette Horn came to Peck’s defense, saying that Peck has lived in Ocean Pines for many years and raised her children in rec and parks programs.

“She has been a veteran volunteer. She has invested a lot of herself and provided good ideas and good support to the rec and parks program.”

“We always say we highly value our volunteers,” Director Steve Jacobs said. “I am aware that Ms. Peck has raised issues and maybe angered some people with some of her comments. None of that has to do with rec and parks.

“We set a very bad precedent if we go through these sorts of acid tests as to who should serve,” he continued. “These are nothing more than advisory committees. When the committee chair has endorsed this person to be on the committee, I think we should accept it for what it is.”

With that, the board approved Amy Peck’s appointment to the Rec and Parks Advisory Committee.

Two residents provided comments during the board meeting.

Ann Williamson addressed three issues: yard waste, the crab pier in South Ocean Pines and parking.

Williamson, a part-time resident, outlined the difficulties she has with disposing of leaves throughout the year. She requested two tags to access the Public Works yard. General Manager John Viola asked her to provide him with her phone number so he could help provide a solution for her.

She also took issue with the lack of amenities on the south side of Ocean Pines. She said she regularly enjoyed the crabbing pier there, which she would like to see replaced so that people on the south side have access to the water. She noted that residents on the south side have to drive to get to any amenities in the community.

“We are putting in a pier in Pintail. We are going to try that. It’s not easy to get the permits for this,” Viola responded.

Finally, she asked that the association leadership encourage residents to park in their driveways and not on the roads. As a biker, she said it is dangerous to have so many cars parked on the road.

The second resident to provide comments was Dave Tanner, who made his case for updating the racquet club and using the money that would be used for a new center to make other improvements.

“The building is in good shape. It’s looking a lot better with the painting,” Tanner said. “The idea of a second story does not have any merit. An elevator would be required along with stairs. You will lose a lot of space on your first floor. Same thing is true up above. Plus, you are adding the cost of the elevator.”

He also questioned the purpose of a second floor. He said people want to be by the courts, “and the view from up there will not be good.”

He noted that the current building meets the needs and can be modified to add more storage space and more washrooms.

He suggested spending money on a deck next to the courts, which is currently gravel.

Viola agreed that the center needs more bathrooms and storage. He also agreed that the gravel was a problem but that the association has to also look at drainage and permeability of any surfaces.