July 2020
www.issuu.com/oceanpinesprogress
443-359-7527
Doug Parks
THE OCEAN PINES JOURNAL OF NEWS & COMMENTARY
COVER STORY
Lakernick disagrees with Horn on need for assessment hike, services decrease next year Candidate says incumbent overlooks impact of payroll protection plan revenues on this year’s bottom line By TOM STAUSS Publisher andidates for the Board of Directors in annual Ocean Pines Association elections have seldom if ever called for increases in the annual lot assessment, but one candidate, Colette Horn, came close to that in a recent statement in response to a question from the Elections Committee. One of the other candidates for the board this summer, Stuart Lakernick, took exception to Horn’s position in a recent interview with the Progress. Because of the covid-19 pandemic, Horn wrote, “it is expected that things will be different. We will likely face reduction in services and access to amenities and at the same time increase in assessments due to expected financial losses.” Lakernick disagreed. He said that Horn “fundamentally misunderstands” the situation if she truly believes Ocean Pines is facing assessment increases, reduction in services and less access to amenities next year. Lakernick said that Horn is failing to take into account the $1.4 million in payroll protection program funds that Ocean Pines and the Matt Ortt Companies have received that directly benefit Ocean Pines’ finances in the current fiscal year. Even without the PPP revenues, “many OPA ame-
C
nities are performing well in the early weeks of the new fiscal year, Lakernick said. “There is no indication of a ‘doom and gloom” scenario.” Next year’s OPA budget should more Stuart Lakernick or less return to nor- Colette Horn mal as fears of the pandemic recede and a covid-19 vaccine is made available, he said. “We should not be budgeting for declines in amenity revenues based on what happens this year,” he said, noting that the MOC and the OPA had no wedding banquet revenue in the spring months this year because of the pandemic. But Lakernick said there’s no reason to anticipate that this revenue won’t return next year. The same should be true for aquatics revenue, he said, once pools are restored to full operations with swim lessons, parties, membership and classes generating the usual revenue. “It’s not right to be forecasting” pessimistic scenarios, he said. “At least not until we know a lot more. We’ll certainly know a lot more as the summer unfolds, and I beTo Page 5
Steve Tuttle
Tuttle says Parks won’t serve again as OPA president
D
oug Parks, the Ocean Pines Association president since the fall of 2017, won’t serve again as president if he’s reelected to the board in this summer’s Board of Directors election, a colleague of his on the board has disclosed. OPA Vice-President Steve Tuttle told the Progress in a brief conversation after the July 1 monthly board meeting that Parks has taken himself out of the running for a fourth term as OPA president. “That was smart,” Tuttle said, without elaborating. Parks has been subjected to criticism on oceanpinesforum. com by its manager, Joe Reynolds, for failing to observe the letter of language in the OPA bylaws and the Maryland Homeowners Association Act regarding the conduct of open and closed meetings. Tuttle said he might decide to be a candidate for the presidency when the board meets to reorganize itself after the annual meeting in early August. He said that Director and OPA Treasurer Larry Perrone also has indicated interest in serving as OPA president. He said Perrone is “edgy,” without saying whether that would be a positive or negative attribute in an OPA president. OPA officers are elected by majority vote of all seven directors.
Coming Soon ~
Watch For the Grand Opening of Our New Building in Ocean Pines Spectacular Showroom • Largest Selection • Best Prices
Check Our Website www.seafloorcarpets.com for Savings 11312 Manklin Creek Road • 410-208-3879 • Across from DeNovo’s Restaurant
2 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
July 2020
410-213-0119
12547 Ocean Gateway (next to Popeye’s) 8 am - 6 pm Monday through Friday 9 am - 5 pm Saturday and Sunday
URGENT CARE NO APPOINTMENTS - Just Walk In!
WHERE THE LOCALS GO
OPEN YEAR ROUND www.westocinjurycenter.com Joseph Crisanti, MD
Cynthia Randolph, PA-C
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 3
OCEAN PINES
Your Lifestyle. Lifestyle. Your Your Vision. Vision. Your
Perfectly Crafted. Crafted. Perfectly
Articulating someone’s vision is a true art. Knowing someone’s vision is a true art. Knowing ““Articulating you’ve created it with them in a home is one of my you’ve created it with them in a home is one of my
““
greatest satisfactions. greatest satisfactions. – Mike Poole – Mike Poole
Crafter of the month
The Pine’eer Craft Club of Ocean Pines has announced that the Crafter of the Month for July is Mary Stover, who specializes in stained glass lamps and panels. She loves making Tiffany style lamps along with night lights, sun catchers, fused jewelry, and much more. Her creations are available at the Pine’eer Artisan and Gift Shop, Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway in Ocean Pines.
MARYLAND BUILDING MARYLAND INDUSTRY BUILDING ASSOCIATION INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
410-352-9980 410-352-9980 POOLECONTRACTING.COM POOLECONTRACTING.COM CONCEPTUAL PLANNING | DESIGN CONCEPTUAL | DESIGN CUSTOM HOME PLANNING BUILDS | RENOVATION CUSTOM HOME BUILDS | RENOVATION
MHIC#104077 | MHBR No. 6927 | Licensed and Insured MHIC#104077 | MHBR No. 6927 | Licensed and Insured
•Wildlife Inspections, Exclusion and Prevention •Wildlife Humane Live Trapping •Bat Inspection, Exclusion and Prevention •Mole and Vole Control •BedBug Heat Treatment Specialist •BedBug Monitoring and Prevention •Crawlspace Encapsulations •Aprilaire Dehumidifiers
SUMMER OCEAN PINES SPECIAL
$50 Off Animal Removal
302-236-3533
Serving Ocean Pines and All of Delmarva • References on Request
4 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
July 2020
OCEAN PINES Golf management
From Page 1 lieve we will have as good a summer as possible under current conditions.” From Page 3
Lakernick asks for more golf marketing
If elected to the board of directors, Lakernick said he will press the OPA administration to develop a much more much robust marketing plan for golf, as a way of encouraging OPA members who aren’t members of the Ocean Pines golf club to join or sign up for tee times. He also said he believes Ocean Pines can do a better job of marketing higher-revenue-generating rounds from golfers who aren’t OPA members. Lakernick said he didn’t have any specific recommendations for golf marketing. He said that’s the job of Director of Golf John Malinowski. “The golf pro needs to do more to get more outside play,” he said during a June 17 candidate’s forum. “We may not make money in golf, but we can lose less.” Candidates were asked during the forum whether the golf course should continue to be run in-house, and no one suggest a return to the days when the OPA hired an outside management company to operate the course. “We have the right structure in place,” OPA President Doug Parks said, mentioning Billy Casper Golf and Landscapes Unlimited as two outside companies hired by the OPA. “At the end of the day it didn’t work.” He said by managing the course in-house, “we have had a much better result.” Horn said the course is operating under the right model and “there is a business plan in place” to improve operations. She said the new golf clubhouse opens an opportunity to produce additional revenues from tournaments and other events. She also said there are revenue opportunities for “virtual golf” from the golf simulator that will be added to the clubhouse soon.
5
Horn says Beach Club may be next major project
In a discussion about continuing efforts to produce a stragetic plan for Ocean Pines, Horn mentioned that a pressing need is to come up with a “viable plan” to replace aging assets. She said that replacing the Beach Club may be the OPA’s next major capital project, adding that it will depend on the useful life of the beachfront amenity. She also cited the possibility of adding exercise equipment around the South Gate pond, which has been proposed by the Recreation Advisory Committee in recent years but has not been funded by the board. Lakernick said a strategic plan will have to come up with a way to “cater to younger members” and he also said that a strategic plan will need to focus on drainage improvements throughout the community. Adding street lights could be another area of focus, he said, “We also need to look at the corporate structure for when the GM moves on,” he said. Parks said that in addition to a strategic plan there should be renewed focus on developing a capital improvement plan. Currently, the OPA is operating without one, although the reserve study and its inventory of capital assets and replacement schedule governs capital expenditures in any given fiscal year. “We need to look at our needs vs. wants,” he said. In a related topic, Horn cited a party/training room at the Sports Core pool as a future need. Parks said covid-19 might delay it.
Candidates discuss poor cell reception
All three candidates for the board this summer agreed during the June 17 forum that a new cell tower is needed in the Ocean Pines area to improve mobile reception. Lakernick alluded to the difficulty in finding a suitable location for one.
53 Wood Duck Drive • $687,500 Coastal contemporary in Wood Duck I. New bulkhead. 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths plus 2 half baths plus Sun Room and bonus/ craft rooms. 2 refrigerators and gas stove. All new appliances in the kitchen. New roof in 2008. Tankless natural gas hot water heater and zoned gas heat and central A/C. Boat dock with a lift.
©2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.
q
Lakernick vs. Horn on assessments
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
6 Ocean Pines PROGRESS July 2020 Cell phone reception From Page 5
“No one wants it in his backyard,” he said. Parks mentioned that much publized 5G technology may not be a good solution for Ocean Pines because it, too, requires cell towers. Lakernick mentioned that community-wide wifi is a must, and Parks said that the OPA is in the process of adding it to all the amenities.
Horn asks Lakernick about drainage fixes
The June 17 forum provided an opportunity for each candidate to ask another candidate a question. Horn used her turn to ask Lakernick what his solution is to Ocean Pines’ drainage problems. He responded that the Public Works Department needs to devote three individuals to do ditch maintenance and won’t be “pulled off” to do other jobs. He cited Director of Amenities and Logistical Operations Colby Phillips for her ongoing efforts to secure state funding passed through Worcester County for various drainage projects. “Once we get it, and I believe we will, we will need proper oversight,” he said. Parks asked Lakernick what “one change at the board level” that he would want to bring to the board. “More oversight of the general manager,” Lakernick quickly responded. “We can’t let the GM run the board.”
Candidates receptive to boat ramp gates
All three candidates seem to be in favor of at least looking at the possibility of adding security gates at the two boat ramps in Ocean Pines, one near
OCEAN PINES the Mumford’s Landing pool and the other in White Horse Park. Lakernick was the most definitive during the June 17 forum, saying “we have to put a gate access” at the Mumford’s boat ramp, with cameras for enforcement or even a guard. “It shouldn’t be too difficult,” he said. Parks said the difficulty in adding security gates is administrative. “Do we need labor?” he said, adding that “if done right, the [the OPA] could make some small amount of revenue at least to cover expenses. We’re getting information and talking about it.” Horn said she likes the idea of “leveraging capital” and said that Colby Phillips had done some research on a security gate for the White Horse Park boat ramp. Horn said the OPA needs to gather more data on the use of the boat ramps for “commercial purposes.”
Lakernick favors new crabbing pier
The demolition of the crabbing pier in the Whitetail Sanctuary section of Ocean Pines is still a sore subject for some nearby Section 10 residents who mourned the loss of an OPA asset that fell into disrepair. There were subtle differences between the candidates on the importance of replacing the pier, perhaps by creating a new crabbing pier at Wood Duck Park. Neither Parks nor Horn said there was a pressing need for a new crabbing pier. Parks said any new pier would need to ADA-compliant, adding to the cost. Horn said she agreed with Parks. “It’s not a high priority in the tough times we’re in,” she said, adding, however, that she would be open “to exploring” the Wood Duck Park option or another location. To Page 8
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
SUMMER
FUN
Play a Round Ocean Pines Golf Club
Public Rates* $70 Before 12pm $55 12-3pm | $40 After 3pm Tee Times: 410.641.6057 or oceanpinesgolf.org
A water-based training program that empowers
3o-Minute Private Session
Fun for Kids Ages 6-15
Jul 17, Jul 31, Aug 14 8:30-10am Jul 24, Aug 7, Aug 21 5:30-7pm $65 OP Resident | $75 Public Register: 410.641.7052 Ages 4-6
Jul 23-Aug 13 6-6:45pm
$25 OP Resident | $35 Public Register: 410.641.7052
Summer Soccer
Fluid Golf
play without pain & enjoy the game more.
with resident ID card.
Summer T-Ball
New at the Sports Core!
golfers to recover from injury/surgery faster,
*Ocean Pines residents save on the public rate
One-Day Surf Camp
Train & Recover
Ages 6-8
Jul 22-Aug 19 5:30-6:15pm $40 OP Resident | $45 Public Register: 410.641.7052
$25 OP Swim/Golf Member $35 OP Resident $50 Public To Schedule: 410.641.5255
Ask about a free 15-minute introductory session!
Dine Out Yacht Club
Open at 11am Daily 410.641.7501
Beach Club
Open 11am-6pm Daily 410.524.2957
Clubhouse Bar & Grille Open 8am-6pm Daily 410.641.7222
7
8 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
OCEAN PINES
July 2020
Candidates debate Viola succession plan Lakernick supports return to management structure with Colby Phillips and Steve Phillips as co-equal directors under GM
By TOM STAUSS Publisher here’s still roughly two years left on General Manager John Viola’s management contract, but already candidates who are competing for the two vacancies on the Board of Directors are looking ahead to the time when Viola is no longer the chief operating officer of the Ocean Pines Association. Although Viola has not said that he plans to retire when his contract expires in June of 2020 -- nor has he said if he’s interested in a contract extention -- the presumption among at least two of the candidates for the board seems to be that he will in fact retire. In a published statement last month, OPA President Doug Parks said one of his two top priorities if he’s reelected to the board “is to be-
T
gin succession planning for the GM position, as the current employment contract expires June 2002. I have had discussions with our GM on this issue, and now that most of the major projects have been completed and overall operations are stable, he can focus his efforts on specific aspects of the succession planning.” Parks went on to say that he will work “with the other directors with the intent that the succession planning outcome be a smooth transition to a stable, documented, well-managed and well-staffed organization.” That Parks would make a public pronouncement about succession planning just under two years before Viola’s current contract caught Viola somewhat off-guard, he told the Progress last month. “I told him that I thought his statement might confuse the mem-
Crabbing pier From Page 6
Lakernick said he was in favor of finding a “spot” for a new crabbing pier and said that could be part of the strategic plan that is now under development.
Candidates identify future capital projects
The candidates were asked about the OPA “capital picture” in the next three years and all three had some ideas. Horn cited Beach Club replacement but said she “didn’t know” it’s useful life. She also mentioned a training/party room addition at the Sports Core pool. Lakernick said “old rusty drainage pipes” in Ocean Pines need replacing and a detailed pro-active maintenance plan needs to be developed and implemented. Beach Club replacement should be part of the strategic plan, he added, and keeping Ocean Pines in a “pristine condition” should be a top priority. Parks agreed that maintenance needs to be “an absolute priority,” and that the regular updating of the reserve study will future capital expenditures. Parks said the Sports Core addition might have to be deferred “during the pandemic.”
Candidates detail reasons for running
All three candidates offered explanations for their decision to run for the board during the June 17 forum. Parks said he believes in “the spirit of volunteering” and that “giving back” motivated him. He said his “business acumen” is an asset as a director. Horn called herself a “problem solver” and an advocated for respectful airing of differences. She said she has brought “a calming influence” to the board. Lakernick called himself a “community activist” who wants to bring his business background and ability to make “fact-based decisions” to the board. “I have no agenda but I’m passionate” about serving Ocean Pines, he said.
bership,” he said, suggesting that it might indicate that he was definitely planning to retire in June of 2022. While he added that “he serves at the pleasure of the board,” he also said it’s not clear yet whether he will try to negotiate a contract extension. That said, Viola said in response to direction from Parks and the board, he’s already working on a succession plan that if adopted by the board would govern the process to be used in the run-up to his retirement whenever it occurs. Viola said the plan he’s working on would identify three or four individuals within the organization who if they’re interested in the GM position could be elevated when a vacancy occurs. The plan would be to provide as much training to improve skill sets as possible to these potential candidates, he said. “These would be useful for the candidates even if they decide to take their skills to another organization,” he said. While he said it would be up to the board to decide whether to shop outside the organization for a new GM, he said his personal preference is to hire from within if possible. Viola said a succession plan should include specific recommendations on skill sets for the new GM, which he said could evolve over time depending on what particular challenges face the OPA at the time candidates are considered. As for the issue of whether a candidate for the GM should have a college degree, or should be given extra points for an advanced degree, Viola said he preferred “not to touch that one.” But then he did, suggesting that if two candidates are equally qualified as measured by skills sets, whether one has a college degree and the other doesn’t could be a determining factor in which one is elevated. One candidate for the board, Collette Horn, has been linked to the position that someone who doesn’t have a college degree is less qualified for the GM position than someone who has one. A source trusted by the Progress said Horn told her that more than a year ago, but Horn more recently has denied that is her position.
At a candidate’s forum last month, Horn was asked by another candidate for the board, Stuart Lakernick, what the process should be in getting a new GM She said a succession plan should ask what qualities are needed for success in the GM position, adding that Viola “may live out his contract or may not.” She said the plan should identify the qualifications for the position. She then said the board in searching for a Viola successor should “look at internal candidates first,” but “should also reach out to other municipalities” to see if they had any potential candidates. While she acknowledged that hiring a search firm to help in finding and vetting candidates has “not been very successful” in the past, that option should not be taken off the table. “I don’t want to be on a board without a firm (succession) plan in place,” she concluded. Lakernick in a follow-up interview with the Progress provided details on how he believes a vacancy should be filled. He said the position should definitely be filled from within. He said he didn’t think the expense of a search firm should be incurred because of less-than-successful efforts in the past. He also said he supports the elevation of Colby Phillips to the GM when Viola retires. Phillips is currently the Director of Amenities and Logistical Operations, including those involving drainage. She also handles customer relations, fielding many of the emails that come into the OPA asking questions or particular actions by the OPA. Prior to that, she was Director of Operations and Aquatics Director under a transitional management structure in place before Viola became GM last year. “She has the skill set and people skills necessary to be an excellent GM and a knowledge of Ocean Pines operations that make her uniquely qualified for the GM position,” he said. Lakernick said he favors a return to the management structure in place when Viola served as acting or interim general manager. That structure had Colby Phillips
OCEAN PINES
Parks, Horn differ slightly on short-term rental regs Board debates solutions as complaints about 91 Abbyshire Road accumulate By TOM STAUSS Publisher he two directors running for re-election to the Board of Directors this summer, Doug Parks and Colette Horn, have some nuanced differences on how and whether to regulate short-term rentals in Ocean Pines. These differences, though subtle, emerged during a special meeting of the board on June 23. Horn seemed at least somewhat amenable to amending OPA restrictive covenants to allow the levying of fines against property owners who allow nuisance conditions to exist on their properties or to ban short-term rentals. Parks seemed less supportive of levying fines, indicating that it had been considered and rejected by the board about a year ago. He also said banning short-term rentals would inconvenience some property owners. By the regular monthly meeting of the board July 1, these nuanced differences were no longer on display, as the board coalesced around an approach of beefing up enforcement by amending existing county zoning law to give the Ocean Pines Police Department additional powers to enforce county and OPA regulations. Parks, in opening remarks at the June 23 meeting, said that he had filed a complaint against a home at 91 Abbyshire Road with Airbnb, the leasing agency representing a tenant who is subleasing the property, for a variety of issues ranging from unsightly accumulations of garbage, as many as six cars parked in the driveway and in the road near the house, too many non-family members living in the house together and noise that is a nuisance to the neighbors late at night. Parks also said that “we need to do something to elicit help” to assist the county in enforcing county law imposing citations on property owners who violate the county’s recently enacted short-term rental law. That law limits non-familial occupancy in a home on a formula based on number of bedrooms and square footage and requires a short-term rental license. The non-resident owner of the property a 91 Abbyshire has been in the process of obtaining a county license to operate a short-term rental business out of the home, Parks said. The help that Parks referred to could come in the form of a text amendment to the county’s short-term
T
q
and Steve Phillips serving in coequal roles under the interim GM, with various department heads reporting to each of them. “That structure served us very well,” he said, suggesting that under the current structure, there are too many direct reports to the general manager. During the candidate forum, he said in his view the “GM controls the board,” rather than the other way around. When asked to explain that, he said that was just his opinion based on what he’s observed, declining to give examples. Under the current management chart, while both Phillipses have “logistical operations” in their respective titles, they are co-equals with other department heads, most but not all of whom report to the GM. Lakernick acknowledged that the structure he thinks the OPA should return to “dilutes” the GM’s role somewhat, but that in turn justifies paying the GM less than Viola and other GMs have been paid over the years. He went on to say that Colby Phillips should be promoted to GM when Viola retires and should then choose among current department heads to replace her as amenities and logistical operations director.
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
thru hru Oct. 21
10-15-20
9
10 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
OCEAN PINES
July 2020
Short-term rentals From Page 9 rental law that would give the OPPD the power to issue citations for excessive noise and other nuisances. The board is in the process of establishing a task force that will be working with Ocean Pines’ two county commissioners, Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting, to come up with specific text amendment language that would be presented to the county commissioners for adoption. After Director Camile Rogers labeled conditions at 91 Abbyshire a “horrible atrocity,” including beds in the garage, she asked her colleagues why it was necessary to go to the county for help in enforcing board resolutions and OPA restrictive covenants. “Why can’t we evicit these people,” she said. Horn said that the county has the power to levy fines against nuisance properties “but has no mechanism” to collect them. Director Steve Tuttle countered that the county might be able to collect fines by adding them to annual property tax bills. Horn then suggested that the OPA could “change the DRs,” presumably to allow for the OPA to levy fines, while also “coordinating with the county” to better enforce county law. Parks responded that the OPA doesn’t “have the authority to levy fines” in its DRs and he didn’t seem interested in revisiting that idea, noting that the board “had a discussion (about fines) about a year ago,” with no decision to pursue or even lukewarm interest in pursuing the process to amend the DRs. Director Frank Daly reminded his colleagues that when the matter was discussed a year ago, there was a “lot of pushback” from property owners who didn’t want to give the OPA that power. Actually, sections developed after 1995 give that power to the board, while older sections do not, he said. Meanwhile, though, problem homes like 91 Abbyshire generate complaints from neighbors. At the June 23 meeting, discussion about the Abbyshire home turned into a broader debate about short-term rentals in the community. It also served as a preview for the July 1 Board meeting, when directors considered banning rentals of less than one week. That approach was rejected by the board in favor of the county “text amendment” option.
The rental on 91 Abbyshire Road received nearly ten complaints in the last four years, according to Ocean Pines Police. Homeowner Bill Fenn, who lives next door, said he’s sent five or six emails to board members about issues related to the home. “I put into emails to the directors my experiences, my feelings and some suggestions, and I’m here tonight to hopefully listen to what … Ocean Pines may be able to do to resolve this,” he said. Tuttle said board members received many emails about 91 Abbyshire. “It’s a very, very serious problem,” he said. “We’ve seen the trash piled out there … I think all the directors have been by there at least once, if not more.” As an example, Tuttle said the previous Sunday there were six cars parked in the driveway and a large truck parked in the roadside. “And we’ve certainly heard from various residents with concerns about the noise and the disruptions in the middle of the night,” he said. “I wanted us to at least have a conversation and see what, if anything, we could do as an Association.” Tuttle said he spoke with Bertino about the matter, and that Bertino reached out to county Zoning Administrator Jennifer Keener. “They have been able to contact the owner of the property, and then my understanding is that the owner is starting the process to seek a [rental] license for the property,” he said. The county passed new legislation related to short-term rentals last August, with Bill 19-4 going into effect on Jan. 1. The bill requires any person or firm offering rentals to first obtain a license from the county. Worcester County defines shortterm rentals as those lasting less than 28 days. Tuttle said he told Bertino the situation on Abbyshire was unacceptable, and the commissioner replied that he would like to “make an example out of” the situation. “The people actually renting the building do not have a license and the disturbances are unacceptable, and they’ve been advertising this property without a license,” Tuttle said. “He [Bertino] picked up on that and he has asked Jennifer to [issue] a citation against the property. “Whether that will bring enough pressure on them to stop what they’re doing, I don’t know,” he
continued. “It’s really the county regs that, I think, control this, but … from what I can see they’re not ready to enforce anything … in any significant way.” Parks said the county legislation defines things like the amount of occupants permitted per square foot, in a rental, but lacks enforcement if the rules are not met. “What’s missing from the legislation that they passed is, what can we do to enforce this and what, if any, are the penalties,” Parks said. “Right now, we can’t depend on the county for any immediate action, but certainly we want to work with them for the long-term action,” he added. Parks said he also registered a complaint with airbnb, where the property is advertised. “The activities at that house do not favorably represent the organization … and they definitely need to be looking into it,” he said. With the county and Airbnb “on notice,” Parks said it was now up to Ocean Pines to see what could be done. “My personal concern is, what can we do immediately to eliminate or, at the very least, minimize this problem,” he said. According to Daly, the Association currently does not have authority to levy fines in any section established prior to 1995. Daly said the property on Abbyshire is in one such section. Each “section” of Ocean Pines is governed by a separate Declaration of Restrictions, which can’t be changed without a referendum. He said the current process of enforcing the Declarations is arduous — requiring several steps in a lengthy legal process. Recently, Daly said the Association moved to penalize a homeowner for “parking junked cars in their driveway.” “We started down a process of enforcing our Declarations of Restrictions,” Daly said, including filing a complaint and giving the homeowner 30 days to respond. “If they fight that in any way … it’ll be well past October before we get a court date to bear our grievance against that property.” In a case like the one on Abbyshire, Daly said addressing a complaint as simple as a noise ordinance violation could take four months. “[That] just doesn’t work,” he said. Daly said there are two choices to resolve the problem, the first of which is to seek a referendum vote
to impose fines. “When we tried that last year, there was a lot of pushback — a whole lot,” Daly said. “It’s … certainly questionable that, over the array of all of our homeowners, they would do that.” The second option, he said, was to ask the county for new or amended short-term rental legislation. “We are the largest unincorporated community in the county. Berlin, Snow Hill, Pocomoke [and] Ocean City handles this [enforcing shortterm rental restrictions] with ordinances that they pass through their town council — we can’t do that,” Daly said. “The commissioners made it pretty clear that they would be willing to work with us, with text amendment, but … the ball is in our ballpark to ask them.” Daly went on to say the current short-term rental law “doesn’t specify any penalties.” He said he was considering a change to his July 1 motion to ask for “two disjointed questions” — should Ocean Pines ban short-term rentals, and/or should the Board approach the county for text amendments to further regulate short-term rentals in Ocean Pines. Specifically, Daly said he would like either Ocean Pines or the county to have the authority to impose significant fines, and to immediately evict renters who violate occupancy limits. “If we don’t get it, we can go the more expensive route [to change the Declarations], and I think it’s going to be a tough sell of going through all 22 sections and changing the DRs,” Daly said. “The residents on Abbyshire have a real serious problem and nobody has the right piece of law on their hands to correct it,” he added. Daly later said the board also needs to determine how large the issue of derelict short-term rentals is, in Ocean Pines. He said of 180 properties listed on Airbnb and similar Web-based companies, only three might be problem properties, meaning that there are 177 that support the abiliy to do short-term rentals. Tuttle called for a workgroup, to potentially include Board members, Abbyshire residents and County Commissioners Bertino and Jim Bunting, to “find out what we can do, legally, to stop them from renting this property right now.” He said current county regulations do classify short-term rentals in violation as a civil infraction. To Page 12
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 11
12 Ocean Pines PROGRESS July 2020 Short-term rentals
Board rejects referendums on short-term rental solutions Opts instead for task force to draft amendments to county law to beef up enforcement it would be unfortunate if the issue remains unresolved a year from now. The July 1 discussion was a follow-up to a June 23 special meeting in which the board discussed an Airbnb rental at 91 Abbyshire Road that has been the subject of complaints ranging from late-night noise and overflow parking. Other concerns at the Abbyshire house raised by neighbors include accumulated trash put out well before scheduled collection days, and unrelated people living in the house exceeding the number allowed under last year’s new county law regulating shortterm rentals. The first motion by Daly would have directed “legal counsel to develop the wording necessary to amend the Declarations of Restrictions in all sections to ban rentals of less than one week and once established to place that question before all homeowners in a refer-
By TOM STAUSS Publisher n rejecting two separate proposals by Director Frank Daly to deal with problems associated with some short-term rentals, the Board of Directors July 1 instead decided to allow a task force to further study the issue and come up with solutions. The motions offered by Daly called for community-wide referendums on two options. One referendum would have asked property owners to decide whether they favored banning short-term rentals less than a week in duration. The other would have asked property owners whether they favored a milder remedy, amending a county law enacted last year involving short-term rentals to give it more enforcement teeth. The latter option, though the board decided it did not need to go the referendum route, is the approach that the board will pursue. Daly in the end endorsed that option as well, while warning the board that
I
q
From Page 10 “To me, that says there’s something that can be brought to bear, in this situation, because they do not have a license,” Tuttle said. Parks, Rogers and Daly each echoed the call for a workgroup with county officials. “If I were on Abbyshire I’d say, ‘OK great, you’re going to do something in six months — what the hell are you going to do for me today?’” Daly said. “That’s what we have to find out.” He underscored the need for action, sooner rather than later. “Looking at the current piece of county legislation — they were working on that long before last season, and here we are this season and we have a piece of legislation that appears to be highly ineffective,” Daly said. “If we don’t get going on it right now, then we won’t have something in place enforceable, I’m afraid, by next year. And that would be a tragedy.” In the end, though, he favored the task force approach.
OCEAN PINES
Tidewater Physical Therapy Serving the Delmarva Peninsula since 1984
Ocean Pines Clinic Now Accepting New Patients
Krzysztof Krajewski, DPT
Clinical Director and Doctor of Physical Therapy
Separation Anxiety Loud Noise & Storms Aching Joints & Hips
• •
• •
If your pets experience any of the above, ask us about Ananda Pets!
Hemp-derived cannabinoids can help support the regulation of anxiety, appetite, digestion, immunity, sleep and much more!
Apple Discount Drugs Fruitland • 410-749-8401 • Route 13 South & Cedar Lane Berlin • 410-641-3130 • 314 Franklin Avenue Salisbury • 410-543-8401 • 1210 Nanticoke Rd., Pecan Square
• • •
Orthopedic and Sports Injuries Soft Tissue Mobilization
Aquatic Therapy
Pre and Post Operative Care Balance Impairments Fall Prevention
Wellness Center
Call us today (410)208Ǧ3440
We accept most insurances
11022 Nicholas Lane, Suite 1 Ocean Pines, MD 21811 Phone (410)208Ǧ3440, Fax (410)208Ǧ3505 www.tidewaterpt.com
OCEAN PINES From Page 12
endum vote.” Daly said there are roughly 180 homes in Ocean Pines listed on rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO, that “are embraced by a number of homeowners and detested by others.” He added Worcester County legislation related to short-term rentals was “largely voluntary” in terms of registration and the county “lacks funding for enforcement.” He later suggested county regulations have “been largely ineffective in handling the problems in a timely manner,” and that municipalities in Worcester can pass and enforce their own zoning laws but Ocean Pines, as a homeowners association, can’t. “The number of homeowner complaints last summer and the number of homeowners that ascribe to these rental programs makes this a community-wide issue that justifies a referendum,” Daly said. Daly admitted changing the Declarations of Restrictions to ban rentals of less than a week might be a hard sell. After his first motion went down to a 6-0 -- he voted against it himself -- he introduced a related motion to ask the county for text amendments to the county laws passed last year regulating short-term rentals. He said county officials have said they would support text amendments specific to Ocean Pines short-term rentals, “if so requested.” He later withdrew it. Before the initial proposal went to defeat, Daly said that “the outcome of this referendum will provide guidance to the Board [on] whether or not to request this action,” Daly said. “Passage of the referendum and a request for a text amendment regarding short-term rentals will provide the community with the strongest possible regulation and restriction on short-term rentals.” He argued that the referendum results would reinforce any request the board might make to the county for tougher enforcement measures. Director Tom Janasek was the first director to object to eliminating short-term rentals. He said the issue has come up now, specifically because of the large number of complaints received about the rental on Abbyshire. Not all rentals, he said, cause such problems. “We’re basing it [the proposed referendum] on some properties in the
Pines that are blatantly disregarding the rules that the county has put forth, last year, in order to make sure that this doesn’t happen with rentals,” he said. “My personal opinion is, I don’t think we should get involved more than we already have.” Janasek said Board conversations with the county during the last several weeks caused county zoning officials to “actually get off their butts and … go after these people.” He added funding for enforcement comes from the $200 license fee for each of the many rentals in the county. “To say that they lack funding for enforcement … I don’t believe it,” he said. “I think that, as a community and as a Board, we’ve done the right thing in going to the county and saying, ‘This is your law — you made it, it’s time to start enforcing it.’” Janasek said he would not support the motion because it was not necessary, and because of the expected high cost for a referendum. Daly countered that on Abbyshire, for instance, homeowners recently complained to the county and were told, “Our hands are tied, we can’t do anything.” “That is not acceptable,” he said. “[If] somebody at 1:30 in the morning explodes fireworks in front of your house on a Friday, you don’t want to wait until Monday morning to file a complaint that says, ‘I can’t do anything, my hands are tied.’ And you don’t want a policeman from Ocean Pines … that says, ‘I can go talk with them, but I can’t do anything.’ And that’s the situation today.” Despite the county legislation passed last year, Daly said Ocean Pines was largely “in the same place today that we were last year” with regard to issues of short-term rental enforcement. “I don’t want to be in the same position in 2021 — that’s why I want to get this in front of the people [and] let them make the determination,” he said. “Not one of us sitting here [on the Board], when we were running for election, had a question asked of us about how we feel about short-term rentals, and I don’t think seven of us should try to determine whether we have them or whether we don’t, or whether we get the text amendments or whether we don’t. “We have 8,452 possible homeowners affected — let them decide, after they hear from all the stakeholders,” Daly continued, adding the conversation should also include realtors and rental agents.
Director Colette Horn said she was interested in exploring reforms, but suggested any reforms need to “include enforcement that is enforceable … and that is it rapid and [allows for] significant penalties.” Horn was not in favor of the referendum approach, but said a town hall or a survey may be a better way to gauge public interest. Director Larry Perrone argued that restricting rentals of less than a week is not as important as making sure existing guidelines are enforced on the number of people permitted, per rental. “All of that leads to the amount of trash and, ultimately, leads to the noise problems,” he said. “[Banning] renting properties for less than one week, I don’t think that’s the solution,” he continued. “But I do agree that we need to do something to try to get control of the properties that are out of control. My real problem is the enforcement issue and how timely it could be.” Perrone said that during talks last year with County Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting, and another county official in charge of zoning enforcement, “they made it perfectly clear to us, there would be no enforcement of this.” “They said that from the very beginning — they’re not putting funds aside for it,” he said. “I was shocked that they jumped all over this par-
13
ticular property we’ve been talking about [on Abbyshire] as quickly as they did.” Perrone added that Associate Vice President Steve Tuttle has been effective in communicating problem cases related to short-term rentals to county officials. Tuttle said he spoke to Bertino after the recent spat of complaints, and he was referred to Ed Tudor and Jennifer Kenner from the Worcester County Department of Development Review and Permitting. He said Tudor visited Abbyshire as recently as Saturday morning and learned the property in question is being rented by someone living in Connecticut who, in turn, is renting it as an Airbnb without a license. Tuttle said county officials issued a citation and are also looking into fines for another derelict rental. “They’re taking action on these properties,” Tuttle said. Janasek also credited county officials for stepping up, saying they’ve now “gone after two properties in two weeks.” He said that action has now created a precedent. “Now that that’s set, as far as I’m concerned, they’ve got to start going after the rest of them, if we start bringing it up,” he said. He also said not all short-term rentals create problems. “No matter how bad these 10 q
Referendums rejected
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
We’re Open for Curbside Pickup & In-store Shopping www.gotomybackyard.com
Light Up Your Yard with Our New Solar Items Bird Seed • Bird Baths • Bird Houses • Bird Feeders We y Garden & House Flags • Gift Certificates Carr Wind Chimes • Local Honey & More
11312 Manklin Creek Road, Unit 1B
Ocean Pines, MD 21811
410-208-1479
Follow us on Facebook @MyBackyard.Ocean Pines Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm; Closed Sunday & Monday
14 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
OCEAN PINES
July 2020
Bertino says he wants to see how short-term rental law works before amending it Commissioner says county is making an example out of 91 Abbyshire Road Contributing Writer orcester County officials are keeping an eye on a long-time problem property in north Ocean Pines and hope to make an example of it for violating the county’s new short term rental licensing requirements. After receiving numerous complaints from neighbors about people, cars, and trash being everywhere around 91 Abbyshire Road, Worcester County has started issuing citations to the owner. The property is just one of several being used for short-term rentals in the community that neighbors have brought to the attention
W
of the Ocean Pines Association and the county’s Department of Development Review and Planning. The OPA Board of Directors is considering lobbying for the ability for police to enforce the short-term rentals law. Chip Bertino, the Worcester County Commissioner who represents the majority of Ocean Pines, said he hopes the county’s action on 91 Abbyshire Road “sends a strong message to everyone in our community” that it is not going to tolerate behavior that is inconsistent with the community and violates county regulations. “I think and I would hope it would set a precedent and set an example for others in the community,” Bertino added. He said 91 Abbyshire Road will be a good case study for
the application of the county’s new short-term rental law. He added that it will also help neighbors recognize that they have rights and if they make a complaint about a property that is being used as a rental, the county will take their concerns seriously. While 91 Abbyshire Road has been on both the county’s and Ocean Pines Association’s list of problem properties for quite a while, Bertino said this is the first time there has been a way to take action. “This is a problem those neighbors have been dealing with for years.” He said county staff investigated the complaints from neighbors, determined that the property was not licensed for short-term rentals, and issued citations.
Referendums rejected From Page 13
properties [are] … there’s another 150 that bring people into this community and spend a lot of money,” he said. “I think banning short-term rentals is so overblown … as Larry said, I don’t think it solves any of the problems.” Association President Doug Parks agreed. “I’m not convinced that banning short-term rentals is the solution we’re looking for,” he said. “Folks aren’t worried about the semantics of [short-term rentals] … they’re worried about the things that disrupt them which, in this case, is noise, trash, and parking.” Instead, Parks said he would support “the notion of text amendments” to county code, to allow for “some level of enforcement by our Police Department.” He said Daly, Tuttle and Director Camilla Rogers were part of a workgroup already looking into the issue, and that more coordination with county officials was needed to help improve the urgency of enforcement. “I think a partnership with the county … with some level of enforcement is the way to go,” Parks said. “I’m not going to vote for banning short-term rentals, but I do want to have some momentum going for-
q
By ROTA L. KNOTT
Chip Bertino
ward that will allow us to have some enforcement, because we clearly have to address these issues as quickly as possible.” Tuttle agreed the workgroup should continue exploring the issue, rather than going the referendum route. He added one of the biggest problems is with long-term renters who are then offering short-term rentals of properties they do not own. He asked that residents report problems with rentals in their neighborhood. Board members can be reached at directors@oceanpines. org and contact information for individual Board members can be found at www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/ board-of-directors. “The county will take action if we put enough information in front of them,” Tuttle said, adding for those properties that do not have a rental license, “they [the county] have lots of means to bring pressure to bear. So, I think our residents need to help us as well. “I’m not in favor of this motion as it stands, but I’m very glad to work on a workgroup, to try to come up with ways to improve this situation,” he added. Daly’s referendum motion was defeated 6-0 with one member, Camile Rogers, not present during the meeting.
OCEAN PINES
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
Minor flooding at golf clubhouse kitchen
Y
ou just knew it was going to happen, right? Five and a half inches of rain in a short period of time, some of it was going to make it’s way into the new golf clubhouse. The torrential rain July 10 flooded the clubhouse kitchen, making its way through an emergency work door, according to General Manager John Viola. The water under normal conditions would have exited through a floor drain, he said, but the drain was plugged during construction. Somebody forgot to remove the tape, he said. At most about ten floor tiles will need to be replaced, Viola added, at a cost of $250. As of July 11, the floor was dry. Public Works will be checking under some tiles to see if there is lingering moisture, and a decision will be made whether to replace some flooring. “Eddie says it’s fine,” Viola said of Public Works Director Eddie Wells. If that’s still the verdict after some tiles are pulled up, the flooring will stay. Viola also said the emergency door will be modified so that in the future torrential rains don’t make their way through.
Bertino
From Page 14 Following extensive debate by the commissioners and several opportunities for public input, the county adopted regulations and licensing requirements for short-term rentals of 28 days or fewer last year. It began accepting applications from property owners and issuing licenses for the Airbnb, VRBO style lodging, in January. Under the new regulations any person or firm who rents or offers to rent any type of real property for any time frame for sleeping accommodations, including single-family dwellings, lots for the placement of mobile homes, recreational vehicles, or tents, to first obtain a rental license from the county. The county’s rental licensing fee for short-term rentals of 28 days or fewer is $200 per year per dwelling unit. Under the short-term rental licensing requirements, the county can cite the owner for failing to apply for a license and for violating the short-term rental requirements. Bertino said the owner of 91 Abbyshire Road leases the property to another party. It is the leasee who then sub-let the property for shortterm rentals. County staff is in contact with the property owner to bring him into compliance with the short-term rental requirements. The county ordinance does not speak at all to whether a sub-leased property can be used for short-term rentals, Bertino said. “We can issue citations which we have done,” he said. If it’s a chronic problem and the owner doesn’t bring the property into compliance, Bertino said the county could probably pursue the issue in court. But, he added that the county’s law on short-term rent-
als is new and he wants to see how well what is now on the books actually works before entertaining any changes. He said 91 Abbyshire has been a problem for many years, but this is first time that there is an enforcement opportunity under the shortterm rental law. He added that the OPA has been very helpful to the county DRP office in this process. There has been some mention of a possible text amendment to the county’s short-term rental requirements to address issues related to Ocean Pines, but Bertino said there have been no specific items discussed. “A text amendment to what, to what part of the law? That has not been discussed,” he said, adding “We haven’t had any additional conversations about how to move forward.” While at a July 1 meeting, the OPA Board talked about asking for the authority for Ocean Pines Police to enforce the county law, Bertino said he hasn’t heard anything about that. “I’ve not had any conversation about police…” Still, he said he would like to try to address any violations under the existing law. “Let’s see what the current law does, and can do and how it can be applied to address these current situations…” He said it would be rash to immediately make changes because the county hasn’t really had an opportunity to enforce it yet. Bertino pointed out that police enforcement in Ocean Pines would face additional challenges as well. As an example, he noted that Ocean Pines Police cannot even ticket people who are parking on the streets, one of the concerns at 91 Abbyshire Road. “It’s little things like that that are apparent holes in the process at least from the OPA standpoint,” he said.
15
Rates are Low Call Us Today
Your Local Real Estate Lender since 1953 • Conventional Fixed Rate Mortgages
Debbie Tingle Ocean Pines Branch Manager 11029 Racetrack Road
410-208-1668
• Adjustable Rate Programs • Construction Loans • Lot Loans • Home Equity Loans • Manufactured Home Loans (in park or on private land)
Patti Feeheley Berlin Branch Manager 310 Franklin Avenue
410-641-0350
• Commercial Loans
www.firstshorefederal.com PROUD TO SERVE DELMARVA WITH 8 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
Downtown Salisbury Berlin Millsboro Ocean Pines Ocean View Pocomoke City Salisbury Snow Hill
NMLS # 431561
OCEAN PINES
July 2020
Viola says police department, admin building projects could be done next month GM envisions envisions move-in by early August By TOM STAUSS Publisher eneral Manager John Viola says the expanded and renovated police department headquarters could be completed
G
next month, ahead of schedule by at least a month, and that the police department now housed in temporary trailers in White Horse Park could be moving into the new facilities in early August.
Viola offered his optimistic forecast on the expansion/renovation project during his GM report at the July 1 monthly meeting of the Board of Directors. A related project, a new roof, ex-
The exterior of the new Ocean Pines Police Department headquarters, which is expected to be completed next month.
terior and soffits on the adjoining Administration portion of the building, also will be completed by next month, earlier than initially anticipated, Viola said. The OPPD project has an estimated price tag of $1.276 million, with $893,000 spent as of May. 31. The roof/exterior/soffit project has an estimated cost of $220,000, with a little less than half of that spent by May. 31. The NorthStar software installation project has slipped further behind schedule, with completion now likely to pushed into 2021, according to Viola. He said the estimated cost of $400,000 will be exceeded by an amount yet to be determined. But as of May 31 the installation cost is already just less than $399,000, so a cost overrun is all but assured. But Viola said progress is being made in all areas, including a point of sale system at the Yacht Club. Members of the Compliance, Permits, and Inspection Department have been added to the installation team, he said. The NorthStar system is being q
16 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
NeedAutomotive, Automotive,Body Bodyor orMarine MarineRepair? Repair? Visit Visit One One of our our 32 Locations Locations Need RACERACK AUTO AUTO RACETRACK MARINE RACETRACK AUTO RACETRACK RACETRACK AUTO & TIRE CENTER & BOAT SALES & BODY SHOP & BODY SHOP & TIRE CENTER10438 Racetrack Road, Berlin 10834 Ocean Gateway, Berlin 10436 Racetrack Road, Berlin 10436 Racetrack Rd., Berlin
410-641-5262 410-641-5204 410-641-3200 410-641-5262 Trailer Parts and Repairs • Complete Diagnostics and Programming Custom Exhaustand • Major or Minor(Call Repairs • ASE-Certified Technicians Boat Storage Winterization 410-641-3200) Transmission Complete Body&Shop • 24-HOUR Standard Custom ExhaustTOWING Certified Technicians Mechanical Repairs Auto •• Web at racetrackoc.com Visit Us on the Marine Mechanics Auto Body Racetrack Trailer Sales
Car Rentals 10% OFF & Detailing Exhaust Service Available
All coupons must be presented before estimate. Most vehicles cannot combine coupons. Exp. 12/31/12
All coupons must be presented before estimate. Most vehicles cannot combine coupons. Exp. 3/30/13
$64.95 $79 Md. State Inspection ($10 Off Regular Price)
All coupons must be presented before estimate. All must presented before estimate. All coupons couponscannot must be be presented beforeExp. estimate. Most vehicles combine coupons. 12/31/12
Most Most vehicles vehicles cannot cannot combine combine coupons. coupons. Exp. Exp. 8/15/20 3/30/13
FREE
FULL $20SYNTHETIC OFF OIL CHANGE Any Brake Job
With Purchase of Oil, Lube & Filter
All coupons must be presented before estimate. Most Up to 5 qts.combine With coupon only. Exp. Exp. 3/30/13 8/15/20 Mostcars. vehicles cannot coupons.
All coupons must be Allcoupons couponsmust mustbe bepresented presentedbefore beforeestimate. estimate. presented before estimate. All Most vehicles cannot combine coupons. Exp. 8/15/20 Most vehicles cannot combine coupons. Exp. Exp. 12/31/12 Most vehicles cannot combine coupons. Exp. 3/30/13
$49
95
All coupons must be presented before estimate. Most vehicles cannot combine coupons. Exp. 12/31/12
Tire Rotation
Includes 10W30 or Sw30, up to 5 quarts of oil, other weights available at extra charge. Diesel oil & filter extra
& MARINE REPAIR
10834 Ocean Gateway, Berlin
410-641-3200 OIL CHANGE SPECIAL Join Our FREE VIP Club Excludes diesel & synthetics 95 Includes most vehicles. Up to 5 qts.
$29Every 6th
Oil Change Free Special Discounts ALIGNMENT 99 • forAngle VIP$49 Members Thrust 4 Wheel 5999
All coupons coupons must must be be presented presented before before estimate. estimate. All Most vehicles cannot combine coupons. Most vehicles cannot combine coupons. Exp.Exp. Exp3/30/13 12/31/12
On rear wheel adjustable suspensions. Cost of shims & installation extra when required. Cars requiring Macphearson Strut correction extra.
BEST
All coupons coupons must must be be presented presented before before estimate. estimate. All Most vehicles cannot combine coupons. Exp. Most vehicles cannot combine coupons. Exp Exp.3/30/13 12/31/12
TIRE PRICES 10% OFF Marine Service IN TOWN! UP TO $150 DISCOUNT Up to $30 Discount
All 3/30/13 Allcoupons couponsmust mustbe bepresented presentedbefore beforeestimate. estimate. Exp. Exp 12/31/12
OCEAN PINES
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
17
North water tower is a possible site of new cell antenna Parks announces creation of task force to explore options
O
The interior dispatch area of the expanded and renovated Ocean Pines Police Department headquarters building in White Horse Park.
Police headquarters From Page 16 used as the OPA prepares for the board election this summer. Viola also updated the board on recently completed or ongoing maintenance projects needed to prepare for the summer season. At the Beach Club, the Public Works Department installed a new exhaust fan for the dish washer, a new sink, and a new fan on the roof for the hood system. The Department completed water system repairs, serviced all the equipment before reopening, cleaned up all around the facility and parking lot, and removed old palm trees and cleaned up the sandy area between the clubhouse and sand dunes, Viola said. At the Racquet Sports complex, Public Works repaired a major water leak, installed new toilets, repaired the chain link fence, trimmed back trees along the site’s perimeter, and completed concrete repairs. Viola said the department also serviced equipment at the Yacht Club and fixed an air conditioning unit. Bid specifications are in the process of being worked up for the servicing of HVAC units in the building,
Viola said. HVAC systems are now routinely inspected because of mold issues discovered after the first year of the building’s operation. Ocean Pines pools also received the usual attention prior to reopening for the season, including power washing prior to refilling. At the Beach Club pool, Public Works staff performed plumbing repairs, installed a new water fountain, added a new footer under the entrance gate and built new railings. At the Mumford’s pool, which reopened June 29, the department repaired the water system and installed a water fountain. At the Swim and Racquet Club pool, Public Works crews repaired, power washed and restained the deck; stone around the pool next to the pool was removed and replaced with stone, Viola said. Rubaroc installed new decking material at the Swim and Racquet Club splash pad and baby pool area at the Mumford’s Landing pool in late June, and as of the Fourth of July weekend they were open for use. At the new golf clubhouse, Public Works installed new flat-screen TVs. Crews also replaced a urinal in one of the golf course bathrooms, Viola said.
As poor cell phone service has long plagued Ocean Pines, Verizon or companies working with Verizon have been trying for years to come up with a location for a cell tower that won’t generate opposition from nearby residents. The county-run wastewater treatment plant site on at least two occasions has been proposed as a location for a Verizon cell tower, both times failing because of opposition by residents of the nearby Harbor Village section of Ocean Pines. This past February, a motion offered by County Commissioner Bud Church to locate the tower at the treatment plant site failed for lack of a second, with the commissioners representing parts of Ocean Pines, Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting, leading the opposition. Church said he brought the is-
q
By TOM STAUSS Publisher cean Pines Association President Doug Parks earlier this month disclosed that a company he didn’t name recently approached Ocean Pines about placing a Verizon cell tower in the community, and a workgroup has been formed to explore the concept. He said a similar issue came up about a year ago but, “there wasn’t a lot of momentum.” Now, the concept is being revisited. One possible location of an antennae is the Northside water tower. “We’re in the very early stages ...” Parks said. “We’re coordinating with the county and we’re going to open some dialog, to see if that’s something that can be pursued. We do have meetings coming up to discuss that topic ... therefore there will be more to come,” he added.
SONIA ZAFFIRIS
Associate Broker, GRI, CRS
443-366-9177(Cell) • 410-208-9200 (Office) • 800-337-7368 Ext. 103
soniasez@aol.com 11065 Cathell Road, Berlin, MD 21811
180 Windjammer Rd. ~ $299,000 SPACIOUS CEDAR CONTEMPORARY Offering 2,200 sq. ft., 3 BRs, 2 & 1/2 baths plus a large loft over-looking the great room. This multidimensional design allows for views, light, space and acoustics. Dramatic open entry foyer connecting to a 2-level high great room with high fireplace & built-ins, dining area, modern white kitchen with breakfast bar, newer quartz counter-tops, drop in range and bamboo floors. 1st level master bedroom & full bath with whirlpool, separate shower, walk-in closet and walk-out deck. Special feature is a private room ideal for an office, hobbies, exercise or ideas of your own. This limited edition work by DH Sklar was lovingly enjoyed and maintained by the original owners, his parents.
OCEAN PINES
July 2020
Board votes for county text amendment to allow for electronic signage at North and South Gates Action to approve any expenditure of OPA funds to replace 70s-era marquees would be part of the 2021-22 budget process By TOM STAUSS Publisher he Board of Directors, eight months after it last considered replacing the 1970s-era marquee signs throughout Ocean Pines with two electronic signs at the North and South Gates, took some action at its July 1 monthly meeting to move the issue along. In a 6-0 vote, the directors voted to approve a text amendment application to the county that will permit electronic signage in Ocean Pines. Director Camille Rogers, who had an excused absence from the meeting, according to OPA President Doug Parks, did not vote. Offering the motion to apply for the text amendment of behalf of the Communications Advisory Committee, Director Colette Horn said the
T
committee had been “investigating” the matter for some time. Action has been blocked because county law currently bans most electronic signage in communities such as Ocean Pines. “The zoning code must be amended to carve out an exemption for Ocean Pines,” she told the board, to allow “digital signs to replace out-dated (marquee) signs” located in the median area on Ocean Parkway and near the North and South gates. She said electronic signs will allow for faster updating of current information at miminal cost to the OPA. OPA President Doug Parks said that approving Horn’s motion wouldn’t necessarily mean that the board would approve electronic
Robert D. Park, DMD, MSD ORTHODONTIST Now In
Millsboro Braces for Children and Adults PDMbraces.com
Most Insurance DE Medicaid for Children Payment Plans
Friday and Saturday Hours Peninsula Crossing by BJ’s
302-297-3750
MD-0000726201
Mastercard-VI SA-American Express-Discover
signs. That would be up to the board when it considers the 2021-22 budget early next year, he said. Parks asked Horn whether a text amendment carve-out for Ocean Pines would have a time limit. She said it would not. “Once it’s enacted (by the county commissioners), it’s encoded,” she said. While electronic signage has been a desired goal of the Communications committee for years, Horn said that county officials also support it, contending that the marquee signage can constitute safety hazards. Horn last October had presented
Cell antenna From Page 10 sue forward after Verizon Wireless approached him about it. He said that service in Ocean Pines, where dropped calls happen regularly, will worsen unless a site is found for a new cell tower. “It’ll be brought up again as an issue because the service is so poor,” Church said. “They [Verizon] may want to bring it up again.” He said that spotty service is particularly a problem for emergency services. In December 2018, the commissioners rejected a five-year lease agreement for a cell tower site at the wastewater facility. Calvert Crosslands would have sub-leased space
a proposal for electronic signage as a way of reducing operational and maintenance costs. At the time, she said it would cost about $80,000 to replace all of the marquees with just two electronic signs. She said the benefits include the ability of Ocean Pines Association staff to maintain instant access to the signs to ensure their accuracy and timeliness of the information posted. However, Horn said then that one significant challenge is that such signs are not permitted by the Worcester County zoning code, which restricts message signs only to the identification of the community or geographic region. The county does not provide for variances or exceptions to that regulation, she said then. She presented the topic for discussion to determine if the support for pursuing this concept and working with Worcester County to overcome the zoning and permitting problem through a text q
18 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
on the tower to Verizon. Bertino and Bunting also led the opposition to that location at that time. Although Parks didn’t mention potential sites in his July 1 remarks, one possible location for a new cell tower is the north water tower. That option was discussed in January when commissioners approved a request from the county Public Works Department to open bids to repaint the water tower. County Commissioner Joseph Mitrecic suggested contacting Verizon to see whether the company could use the water tower after the project was complete. John Tustin, director of public works, said that the idea would be explored.
Reflections Window Cleaning Specializing in Commercial and Residential window cleaning. Also offering: ~Vinyl Window Cleaning ~Chandelier Cleaning ~Gutter Cleaning ~Hard Water Spot Removal Your local window cleaning company Call today for a FREE estimate
From Page 18 change in the applicable county ordinance. Although OPA’s signs presently go beyond this to provide information about programs and activities related to programs and association business, Horn said county has never pressed the issue of removing what has been in existence. Additionally, she said Jennifer Keener, county zoning administrator, indicated that she could not permit new or replacement signs. Advice from Ed Tudor, Director of Development Review and Permitting, was that a text amendment to a county code could allow the OPA to replace its current signs with something new, such as electronic signs, Horn said. A text amendment could limit the change to a community with specific characteristics, such as number of homes, so it would does not affect the entire county. Director Camilla Rogers said during the October discussion that the marquee signs are quaint and “almost nostalgic,” but added that she supports continuing the investigation into electronic signs as an alternative. Sometimes changes need to be made more expeditiously, rather than having staff spend time changing individual letters on each sign, she said. “I would really encourage us to continue to explore this, to look at the cost benefit analysis and to consider the purchase of these signs barring any restrictions by any codes that are imposed on us by Worcester County or our own restrictions or bylaws,” Rogers said. OPA President Doug Parks said he is interested in learning more about the potential cost of new signage, and how long it would take the association to recoup that investment against labor hours for changing and maintaining the existing marquee signs. “Where is the breakeven point?” Parks said the other consideration is ancillary costs to change from using manually adjusted signs to electronic signs, such as connectivity. “I think it’s very important that we understand the entire cost and the return on that investment. When is it going to payback, and quite frankly, is it worth it?” he said, adding that he’s “not poo-pooing it” but if it takes decades to payback
Electronic signage
This zucchini or squash casserole beat eggs, stir in mayonnaise, onion, Pines repres July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 19 is an excellent vegetarian dish or a green pepper, cheese and seasonthe expense it may not be worth the issue.” In that case, he said,and theunique OPA t investment. Perrone said the issue was adneeds three signs, including St. welcome side to any dinner. ings. Add squash and turn into However, he said if it frees up staff dressed several years ago and the Martin’s Neck Road, which is the greased 1-1/2 qt. baking dish. entrance Dot to be able to perform other needed county was intransigent in opposold truck into Ocean I askOcean for you duties for the OPA, “then maybe we ing changes. “I think it’s probably a Pines off Beauchamp Road, Zucchini or Squash Casserole with butter. Bake at 350 degrees for can look at it.” good thing if we can get the signs Pines’ northern boundary. Primary Elec Director Larry said(skin he on) but until the 30 codes are changed, He said that road may be more 4 cupsPerrone chopped minutes. didn’t think a cost-benefit analysis is we’re just spinning our wheels,” he heavily traveled in the future parour district. squash zucchiniissue. or a combinaI enjoy hearing from my readers appropriate for thisorparticular said. ticularly if a traffic circle is in“This istion reallyofsomething is to stalled at theany North Gate. Further, both that adds Director Frank andDaly willsaid bethere happy answer to the quality of life in Ocean Pines. also a safety component to the issue if the county refuses to change the Whether there is a real cost-benefit because the electronic signs will alcode the OPA will be wasting its 2 eggs questions about my recipes. besides the service provided to the low posting of messages to the com- time and effort, Daly said. 1 cup mayonnaise bevwisch@aol.com community, I’m not so sure from a fi- munity faster than hand-changing He also raised a concern about nancial standpoint if that’s really the all of the old marquees. If you’d like I can Bert
4410-208-0707 10-2Day 08-0707 A BAOpen GE6 am L Every Free Wireless Internet
a n d ...
Open 6 a.m. every day
Serving Breakfast & Lunch
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FREE
Open for Curbside Service
call ahead to place your order 11304 Manklin CreekPlease Road,bring South GatetoOcean Pines Small Cup Coffee We’ll it out of your vehicle (Manklin CreekNo& Ocean Parkway) Purchase Required 410-208-0707
Expires 5/31/14
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES
SPRING HOURS!
Servin6ga.m. Limited Seating to 2 p.m. dailyIndoors Breakfast and Lunch
MUST BRING AD/No Photocopies
11304 Manklin Creek Rd Southgate - Ocean Pines
Served on Bagel, Roll or Bread (White, Wheat or Rye) Egg & Cheese ..................................… $4.55 Meat*, Egg & Cheese …..................... $5.75 *Your choice of Bacon, Ham, (Manklin CreekSausage, & Ocean Pkwy) Taylor Ham or Turkey Sausage
PLATTERS & OMELETS Eggs Any Way with Meat ....................$5.45 Cheese Omelet .................................. $5.00 Veggies Omelet …........................ $5.50 Western Omelet …............................. $6.00
BAGEL SANDWICHES Served on Bagel, Roll or Bread Bagel with Butter …............................ $2.15 Bagel with Cream Cheese ….............. $3.05 Cinnamon Crunch Bagel ....................... $1.85 With Butter ...........................$2.65 With Cream Cheese ...............$3.45 Bagel with Nova Spread ............…... $6.30 Bagel with Smoked Sliced Salmon … $10.25
LUNCH OPTIONS Homemade Soup Small $3.25 • Large $5.49 Chicken Pot pie ............................… $5.49 Pizza bagel ~ Plain $4.75 - Pepperoni $5.25 Bagel Dog ............................................. $4.25 Fruit Cup ............................................... $2.50
LUNCH SANDWICHES Served on Bagel, Roll or Bread Includes a Side of Macaroni Salad Ham …………............................….……. $8.95
Taylor Ham ……...........................…….. $8.95 Turkey ………...................................….. $9.45 Roast Beef …..................................…… $9.45 Cappicola …….................................….. $8.95 A Bagel Genoa Salami …................................… $8.95 and.. Italian Combo …...........................……. $9.45 (Roast Beef, Cappicola, Salami and Provolone) Roast Beef & Turkey ……................….. $7.45 Liverwurst …...............................……… $7.55 Bologna ................................................. $7.55 Egg Salad ….............................………… $7.55 Tuna Salad ………..........................……. $9.25 Whitefish Salad …..................…………. $9.25 PB&J ……………….........................……. $4.50 Grilled Cheese ……........................……. $6.55 Add to any sandwich Cheese 85 cents • Meat $1.65
Hours: Mon., Wed.,Thurs., Fri: 6 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tues, Sat. and Sun: 6 a.m.- 2 p.m.
FRESH PASTRIES Lemon/Pecan Bar …….....................…… $2.35 Linzer Tart .............. Small $1.50 - Large $2.50 Muffin …….........................……………. $2.95 Brownie ….................................……….. $2.35 Crumb Cake ............................................$2.95 Turnover ………..........................……… $2.95 Croissant Pastry/Danish ……….............. $2.95 Cinnamon Bun ..........................………. $2.95 Cheesecake ........ Small $2.00 Large $3.50 Éclair ……….....................................….. $3.50 Black and White Cookie ~ Small $1.50 / Large $2.50 Sugar Cookie ........... Small $1.50 Large $2.00 Cookies ~ Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, Sugar, M&M ...................................................... $1.15
Earl O.P. South June Big PB Cup/Chocolate Chip ........... $2.50 19 Gate Entrance
RTE. 589 Manklin Creek
OCEAN PINES
Irish Soda Bread .. Slice $2.00 Loaf $6.50 Banana Bread ................................ $2.50 OCEAN PKWY
BAGELS AND BREADS Plain • Cinnamon Raisin • Sesame Onion • French Toast • Garlic Honey Wheat • Asiago • Everything • Everything Wheat • Rye Marble • Egg • Pumpernickel Sundried Tomato 1 Flagel (weekends only) .............. $1.35 1 Bagel ………...........................…. $1.35 Half Dozen Bagels …..........……… $8.00 Dozen Bagels …............….......… $14.50 Cinnamon Crunch Bagel ….....….. $1.85 With Cream Cheese $3.45 With Butter $2.65 N.Y. Kaiser Roll ……............….. 65 cents Portuguese Roll ……........…….. 65 cents Knot Roll ................................... 65 cents
WHIPPED CREAM CHEESES Plain • Light • Veggie • Light Veggie Walnut Raisin • Almond • Scallion Scallion & Tomato • Chive • Olive Spinach & Cheese • Nova Spread Seasonal: Crab, Pumpkin, Strawberry Plain Cream Cheese ½ lb. …......… $3.20 Flavored Cream Cheese ½ lb. ...... $3.95 Nova Cream Cheese 1 lb …………$10.90
All prices subject to change
11304 Manklin Creek Road, South Gate Ocean Pines (Manklin Creek Road & Ocean Parkway)
B
OCEAN PINES
July 2020
Coastkeeper won’t say whether St. Martin River is safe or unsafe But test results seem to verify that risks to swimmers near the Swim and Racquet Club are negligible to non-existent By TOM STAUSS Publisher s the St. Martin River in the vicinity of the Swim and Racquet Club safe or unsafe? That is the question following release of a press release by the Ocean Pines Association’s public relations office July 7 that was followed up by a corrected version July 8 that seemed to muddy the waters. Both press releases were based on comments by Kathy Phillips, who runs the Assateague Coastkeeper organization. She recently performed a water quality test at the site and released the results through a downloadable app called the Swim Guide. She called the released information a “teachable moment,” but the dueling press releases containing contradictory information suggest that the moment might be teachable in a way that Phillips did not intend. The first release said that the report showing the river to be polluted and unsafe for swimming was “overblown.” Both releases said the sampling
I
for the Enterococci bacteria show results in the “red,” with elevated levels of 108.4 colony-forming units (cfu) per 100 milliliters. Both releases indicated that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers levels of more than 104 cfu per 100 milliliters to be “‘unsafe due to the increased risk of illness.” But the first press release quoted Phillips as downplaying the 108.4 reading, calling it “nothing to worry
about,” as there’s a certain amount of fine print related to EPA standards. The second “corrected” press release omitted that quote, suggesting that Phillips realized that she was sending mixed messages about river water quality. What she probably failed to grasp is that the two press releases remain in the public record. Both releases contained information that a reasonable person would
Electronic signs
located. “I would just need to see all of that before I could even think about saying yes or no,” he added. Director Steve Tuttle said it was a significant expenditure and he was concerned about both the cost and the burden on staff for securing a Worcester County code change to allow the signs. He said he isn’t sure it’s worthwhile. Further, Tuttle cited National Transportation Safety Board data showing that distractions like electronic signs can cause accidents. “I don’t want people in our community stopping to read the sign as its
From Page 19 funding for the purchase of electronic signs. “I have a pretty good gut-level feel that the replacement reserve for our manual signs is nowhere near $80,000,” he said. Director Tom Janasek said he likes the little, quaint signs along the parkway as well. He said the proposed new signs could be used to bring people into the community, particularly the Yacht Club. He said he needs more information about the total cost of the project, size of the signs, and where they would be
probably say backs up a conclusion that a 108.4 reading isn’t a big deal, even if EPA guidelines aren’t clear whether it is or isn’t and Phillips, in the second press release, didn’t say. “Elevated counts of 105-250 means people should rinse off after swimming and keep open cuts covered with waterproof bandage. Over 250, and people should take a hot soapy shower, don’t go in the water with cuts or sores, even if covered, and clean off equipment when you get out of the water. If it’s 1,000, don’t swim,” she said. Phillips said the recent elevated results could have occurred because of several factors, including something as simple as pet owners not properly cleaning pet waste from q
20 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
scrolling around and changing and all that and causing accidents.” The Communications committee, in consultation with OPA staff, recommended replacement of the marquee information signs located along Ocean Parkway, on Manklin Creek Road near the racket sports complex, and on Cathell Road near the Sports Core Pool, with two electronic signs. “The purpose is to promote easier maintenance of the information they provide. Although this action falls within the responsibility of the GM, the purpose of this discussion is to present the concept to the Board and to the membership, to solicit input on the topic, to assess the value of doing further research on options for replacement signs, and to determine the value of including the cost in the upcoming budget,” Horn said. Although the marquee signs are presently in good repair, the maintenance of the information on the signs presents challenges to OPA staff, Horn said. Currently, four different association departments are responsible for keeping the information current, and that takes a total of about one staff day per week. When last-minute changes need to be made, Horn said the person responsible for updating the information on the marquees must gain access to the necessary materials on the weekend, which sometimes is difficult. She said the process of changing the information poses risk of injury to the staff member due to the weight of the glass covering that must be raised and propped up by a 2x4 board while the letters are put in place.
OCEAN PINES
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
Annual meeting to be moved to Veterans park
Police drive-through
The Ocean Pines Police Department July 7 held a drive-through in honor of retired Anne Arundel Police Cpl. George Juckett, who had retired in 1990. He resides at the Macky and Pam Stansel Coastal Hospice House in South Ocean Pines. Vehicles from the Ocean Pines and Anne Arundel police departments participated, as did friends and well-wishers.
O
cean Pines Association President Doug Parks has announced that the annual meeting of Ocean Pines property owners scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8 at 9 a.m., has been moved outdoors to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Park in South Ocean Pines. He said CDC guidelines related to the covid-19 pandemic are the reason for the venue change. The annual meeting is traditionally held in the Ocean Pines Community Center. “We wanted to make sure we maintain all of the CDC guidelines regarding social distancing, and we felt that it would be beneficial to have it outside because, hopefully, we will get a quorum of 100 people” as required by Association bylaws, Parks said. General Manager John Viola said to protect against inclement weather, circus-style tents will be erected on site. If the quorum of 100 OPA members is not achieved, the results of the annual board election, which are announced after the vote count that occurs the day before the annual meeting, can’t be certified. Election certification is delayed for a few days until the old board can meet in a special meeting to certify the results. All other normal activities of the meeting take place as usual even if there is no quorum.
St. Martin River From Page 20 their yard. She said it also could have tested higher than normal because of runoff after a recent rain. At 108.4, the EPA seems to suggests that those who swim in the St. Martin River near the Swim and Racquet Club need only remember to rinse off afterwards and avoid swimming altogether if they have open sores or cuts that aren’t covered by waterproof bandages. Those who forget to rinse or cover any sores and cuts with waterproof bandages might get sick, according to the EPA. Everyone else, the EPA’s fine print
21
doesn’t say, but the omission seems to suggest that fears about sickness for most people are .... negligible to nonexistent or ... overblown, as the lead paragraph in the first press release said, apprently with a great deal of accuracy. Rather than focusing attention on her own contradictory comments and the EPA’s lack of clarity, Phillips lectured Ocean Pines residents on the “the importance of knowing how individual activities can affect the health of local waterways. Runoff from waterfront homes in Ocean Pines, for instance, can have a negative impact on the St. Martin River. “It’s a great opportunity for people to understand, if you don’t clean up after your pets in your own yard, that goes into the river and you’ve got the Swim and Racquet Club right there,” she said. “It’s not a crisis situation, but the good thing is people are paying attention ... if they’re concerned about their waterway, they’ll do more to protect their waterway.” Phillips encouraged people in Ocean Pines to download the free Swim Guide app and to check regularly before swimming. “If it says red [on Swim Guide], go to the website and look at the numbers,” she said. Ocean Pines is also working with Phillips on signage for the Swim and Racquet Club, reminding swimmers to check the app before going into the water. “I would urge people to download the app,” she said.
SERVING DELMARVA
888-ZWEEMER • 302-363-6116
We Accept All Major Credit Cards Many Satisfied Ocean Pines Customers
ΊΙΙΛΘΟΎ ψϟ ΎϊϝχϘϊ ΕϏχϔ χϚϋͧ йрͿкйͿлйкт 22 Ocean Pines PROGRESS July 2020 ΎϞϖ ϊχϚϋͧ йрͿкйͿлйлй Price: 98.500 (00.00) Ίи
Prince Georges Md (Name of MuniCnty Bond)
OCEAN PINES
SOCIAL SECURITY
New ‘normal’ in Ocean Pines looks a lot like the old
Coupon: 3.25 (00/00/00) SOCIAL SECURITY
When should you07/15/2036 start receiving Social Security? Maturity Date: (00/00/00) Callable Date: (00/00/00 or your N/A) Think carefully about 07/15/2028 when to start receiving benefits. 100 CallYouPrice: (000)your benefits by 39%. could be reducing / AAA Rating: Aaa (XXX/XXX) I am here to help make that decision easier for you. Other: Please contact(Obligor) me at 410-208-1704 for a
Aquatics still operating at 50 percent or less of capacity
By TOM STAUSS Publisher menity operations in Ocean one-on-one complimentary, no obligation * (0.00%) TAX-FREE 3.25 TAX-FREE* t me at 410-208-1704 for a% oneoron one complimentary, consultation attend our seminar.no obligation, consultations orPines in the midst of the coattend our seminar. Call for times, and location. rona-19 pandemic look a lot Call for times, date anddates location Prince Georges Md (Name of MuniCnty Bond) like they did in the summer of 2019 Carrie Dupuie, AAMS 98.500 Price: Dupuie, (00.00) Carrie AAMS® and the summers before that. My picture Coupon: (00/00/00) 3.25 (Financial Advisor Name) Financial Advisor Financial Advisor here With all amenities and recreation Maturity Date: 07/15/2036 (00/00/00) (Approved Title) 215 North Main Street 07/15/2028 Callable Date: (00/00/00 N/A) facilities open -- the basketball court 215 North Mainor Street 100 Call Price: (000) Berlin, MD 21811 in White Horse Park was the last to Berlin, Aaa /MD AAA 21811 Rating: (XXX/XXX) (Address) achieve that status -- only Ocean Other:410-208-1704 (Obligor) 410-208-1704 (City, ST 00000) Pines swimming pools are operating Carrie.Dupuie@RaymondJames.com (000-000-0000) I (Toll-Free: Carrie Dupuie, AAMS 800-000-0000) at less than full capacity, ranging Raymond James(Financial Financial Services Inc.,Name) Member FINRA/SIPC Advisor (Approved Title) James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. estments advisory services offered Raymond Fax:through (000-000-0000) from a low of about 20 percent at the (Address) (E-mail Beach Club to about 50 percent at (City, STAddress) 00000) (000-000-0000) I (Toll-Free: 800-000-0000) the Yacht Club. (Website) Fax: (000-000-0000) (E-mail Address) Pool capacity is pegged to the size (Website) of the pool, and the Beach Club pool, small as it is, currently can only acSubject to availability and price change. Minimum purchases may apply. The yield is the lesser commodate 40 individuals. of yield to maturity or yield to call. Interest is generally exempt from federal taxation and may also be free of state and local taxes for investors residing in the state and/or locality where Pool users will also notice one oththe bonds were issued. However, bonds may be subject to federal alternative tax (AMT), and profits and losses on tax-exempt bonds may be subject to capital gains tax treatment. Ratings by Moody’s/Standard & Poor’s. A credit rating of a security is not a recommendation to er difference from summer months. 8 buy, sell or hold the security and may be subject to review, revision, suspension, reduction or withdrawal at any time by the assigning Rating Agency. Insurance pertains only to the timely The ubiqitous loungers are not to be payment of principal and interest. No representation is made to any insurer’s ability to meet its d price change. Minimum purchases may apply. The yield is the lesser of yield to maturity or yield to call. Interest is generally exempt financial commitments. Ratings and insurance do not remove risk since they do not guarantee found, for the indoor Sports d may alsothebemarket free ofvalue stateof and local taxes for investors residing in the state and/or locality where the bonds were issued.except However, the bond. federal alternative minimum tax (AMT), and profits and losses on tax-exempt bonds may be subject to capital gains tax treatment. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FNRA/SIPC. Core pool, where a limited number dard & Poor’s. A credit rating of a security is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the security and may be subject to review, (c) 2015 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC 15-MFI-0113 ICD BS 8/15 uction or withdrawal at any time by the assigning Rating Agency. Insurance pertains only to the timely payment principal and inter- are located on the outof ofloungers made as to any insurer’s ability to meet its financial commitments. Ratings and insurance do not remove market risk since they do
A
Financial Advisor
215 North Main Street Berlin, MD 21811 410-208-1704
Carrie.Dupuie@RaymondJames.com
The Clubhouse Bar and Grille with views of the 9th and 18 greens.
06/07/2018 **As As ofof 00/00/00.
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.
©2015 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC 15-MFI-0113 ICD BS 8/15
t value of the bond.
h Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.
er m m u S
s Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC 15-MFI-0113 ICD BS 8/15
Savin
gs
available for recreational users in addition to lap swimmers. Hours at the pools are more limited compared to previous summers to lower staffing costs. Exercise classes started the week of July 6. Activities overseen by the Parks and Recreation Department have resumed. The long-standing summer camp has started and is “going great,” according to General Manager John Viola. “The camp staff is following all the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and state guidelines,
Berlin
Salisbury 800-K S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD
(Next to the Greek Pita Place Restaurant)
16-B South Main St., Berlin, MD
(1 block south of Atlantic Hotel)
465947
ptical
ptical 410-546-1369 M & F 9-7 • T-W-TH 9-5:30 • Sat 9-3
Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
20
20
% EVERY
OFF
door deck. Even so, however, the pools are being used. The splash pad at the Swim and Racquet Pool, which opened June 12, was not available for use until the last week in June; same for the baby pool at Mumford’s Landing. That pool reopened June 29, the same day the Sports Core pool reopened for lap swimming and exercise classes. Actually, the Sports Core did open for one day prior to the official June 29 on a rainy day when the outdoor pools were closed. On rainy days, the Sports Core is
FRAME IN STOCK
With Purchase of Rx Lenses. Includes Designer Frames. Outside Prescriptions Welcome. 7/15/2020 Expires 6-30-14 Some Restrictions Apply Expires Expires 7-31-10
410-641-2020 % COMPLETE
SECOND PAIR OFF OF GLASSES of equal or lesser value with same Rx.
7/15/2020 Expires 6-30-14 Some Restrictions Apply Expires Expires 7-31-10
We accept many vision insurance plans. Ask us about YOURS. Then make your appointment at: Salisbury Optical or Berlin Optical
The Clubhouse deck with retractable awning.
q
Subject to availability and price change. Minimum purchases may apply. The yield is the lesser of yield to maturity or yield to call. Interest is generally exempt from federal taxation and may also be free of state and local taxes for investors residing in the state and/or locality where the bonds were issued. However, bonds may be subject to federal alternative minimum tax (AMT), and profits and losses on tax-exempt bonds may be subject to capital gains tax treatment. Ratings by Moody’s/Standard & Poor’s. A credit rating of a security is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the security and may be subject to review, revision, suspension, reduction or withdrawal at any time by the assigning Rating Agency. Insurance pertains only to the timely payment of principal and interest. No representation is made as to any insurer’s ability to meet its financial commitments. Ratings and insurance do not remove market risk since they do not guarantee the market value of the bond.
OCEAN PINES New normal
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
23
From Page 22 with the guidance of OPA attorney Jeremy Tucker, Viola said at the July 1 Board of Directors meeting. Parks and playgrounds in Ocean Pines reopened last month, as did the skateboard park in White Horse Park. The basketball court finally reopened after the Fourth of July weekend, delayed because of concerns about the contact sport spreading the coronavirus, Viola said. The general manager said that “business is booming” at the craft shop operated by the Pine’eer Craft Club in White Horse Park, and he was equally upbeat about marina operations, which got off to a solid start in May. The Yacht Club marina will be hosting the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce’s flounder tournament Aug. 1. This event “will draw people to the Yacht Club and hopefully will be bringing the fuel dock more revenue,” he said. The golf course is getting good word-of-mouth because of excellent course conditions and good reactions to the new clubhouse and food and beverage operations in the newly opened Clubhouse Bar and Grille. Helping the bottom line is a policy that encourages two people per golf cart while keeping the option of a single rider open, Viola said. There’s a slight upcharge for those who prefer to ride in the cart without a companion, Viola said. When the course reopened in May, there was a policy in place restricting carts to one golfer only. Viola later told the Progress that the new restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and early dinner daily,
The splash pad decking at the Swim and Racquet Club swimming pool was recently replaced by Rubaroc.
with both indoor and outdoor dining, is doing well not only with golfers. People who clearly are not coming in off the course or fueling up before a round are visiting the venue, Viola said, and are finding the food and the ambiance and views of the ninth and 18th greens and the pond between them to be very appealing. “I think we’re going to be doing better financially in golf and the restaurant than anyone expects,” Viola said. The Yacht Club is thriving during the pandemic in part because while indoor seating is limited because of social distancing mandates, the shortfall is being made up with tables set up on the spacious outside deck that overlooks the marina. Live entertainment is offered on a Thursday through Sunday schedule. Although the venue lost substantial amounts of wedding banquet
Take the smoothest, most comfortable ride aboard the Chelsea Lane Tyler!
Smith Island Cruise Home of the famous ”SMITH ISLAND CAKE”
revenue in the April through June period because of the pandemic, that has been offset by payroll protection program funds received by the Matt Ortt Companies,Viola said. The Ocean Pines Beach Club, whose food and beverage operation is really a take-out service, has been operating more or less normally, according to the general manager. After a slower than normal start, Beach Club parking pass revenue in June made up for shortfalls in the months prior, he said. While uncertainty remains because of the pandemic, Viola is hopeful that membership revenue in all the amenities with the possible exception of Aquatics won’t be too far off budget. Aquatics memberships, unlike for golf and and racquet sports, are sold all year-long with revenue posted in the month they’re sold. Annu-
al memberships run from the date they’re sold until the anniversary date the following year. That, Viola said, could mean that membership sales will catch up over the course of the year as annual memberships are renewed. Summer aquatics memberships have been extended beyond the usual expiration dates because pools opened later than usual this year. While it’s too early to forecast how the OPA will fare financially this year, Viola said he didn’t think it was going to be nearly as horrific as it looked a few months ago. With PPP revenues of about $1.4 million including that received by the Matt Ortt Companies at food and beverage venues it operates for the OPA, the general manager did not push-back against the possibility of a positive variance to budget by the end of the fiscal year.
33 Brookside Road • $377,700 Spacious 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Custom Home On Cul-De-Sac That Borders 4th Hole Allowing A View Of Golf Course & Water Of Bay Colony Canal. Home Offers Large Great Room With Fireplace And View Of Golf Course & Water, Sun Room With Views, Kitchen With Extra Cabinets, Dining Area With Bow Window & Views, Master Bedroom With Walk-In Closet, Bath With Whirlpool Tub & Sit-Down Shower, All Appliances Most Nearly New, 4th Bedroom That Could Be Ideal For Home Office, Gas Heat, Central A/C, Andersen Windows & Sliders, Sizable Laundry Room With Closet & Pull-Down Ironing Board, Large Windows For Natural Lighting, New Window Treatments, Carpet, Tile & Hardwood Flooring, Cathedral Ceiling, 80 Gallon Hot Water Heater, Exterior Front & Rear Flood Lighting, Brick-Faced Front Crawl Space & Steps, Red Stone Driveway, 7 Ceiling Fans, 2 Car Garage With Pull-Down Stairs Floored Attic For Storage, Large Rear Deck With Great Views Of Golf Course & Water, Landscaped Entrance. All This Priced To Sell!! This Home Awaits A happy Buyer!!
DAY TRIPS: Leaves Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, MD Daily at 12:30 pm ISLAND AMENITIES: Bayside Inn Restaurant famous for Crab Cakes & Smith Island Cake
John Talbott, 410-603-7373
410-425-2771 www.smithislandcruises.com
410-208-3500 • 1-866-666-1727 (Toll Free)
410-425-2771 Call for Reservations
Purchase Your Tickets at
www.smithislandcruises.com $2 OFF Code OPP 2020 Good thru 8/31
Gift Shops • Museum • Golf Cart • Bike Rentals
Directions: Rt. 413 to Crisfield, turn left after Fire Department, Stop at Capt. Tyler’s Motel for cruise tickets
Berkshire Hathaway PenFed Realty
Ocean Pines South Gate - 11001 Manklin Meadows Lane, Ocean Pines MD 21811
©2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.
24 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
OCEAN PINES
July 2020
OCEAN PINES BRIEFS
OPA president urges covid-19 precautions
Ocean Pines Association President Doug Parks offered a “word of caution” about the covid-19 pandemic during remarks delivered during the July 1 Board of Directors meeting. “It’s not over yet,” Parks said. “Everything we’re hearing is the fact that it’s still there with us. And, therefore, I would just urge our residents … to continue to take the precautions.” He underscored the importance of social distancing, wearing a mask, and following CDC guidelines. Ocean Pines staff, prior to the meeting — the first to allow public attendance since March — took precautions for COVID-19 including ensuring that seating met social distancing guidelines, sterilizing seating and all other surfaces, and asking guests to sign in and complete a wellness checklist to help contact tracers, in the event of a localized outbreak. Recreation and Parks Director
Debbie Donahue led that effort. “Protecting our community is certainly something we want to continue to do,” Parks said. “I’d urge everyone to take those requirements seriously and practice them because, you’re not only helping yourself, but you’re helping your community members well.”
Parks took the opportunity to publicly condemn the acts. “Under no circumstances does the Board condone that kind of rhetoric, that kind of hate speech,” Parks said. “We do not support that kind of communication within our community and, hopefully, it was a onetime event and it will stop.”
KKK literature distributed in Ocean Pines driveways
Fireworks postponed until September
In other remarks at the July 1 board meeting, Parks said there are reports that Ku Klux Klan literature was recently distributed in driveways in Ocean Pines. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Department in a June 23 statement said similar packages were found in West Ocean City and Berlin. “An inestigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Worcester County Sherif0 ’s Office at 410-632-1111,” the statement said.
The Ocean Pines Association recently announced that the annual Fourth of July fireworks display was postponed until Saturday, Sept. 5. In comments during the July 1 board meeting, Parks said there was a concern about “neighborhood-centric fireworks” happening in place of the traditional display. “I suspect there will be some exuberance in setting off fireworks,” he said. “We hope that, if any is done, it’s done within a reasonable amount of control [and] it’s not disruptive to the neighbors. “Please use common sense and please be aware that your neighbors are also being affected by all of the activities associated with that,” he added.
Charity pickleball tournament Aug. 8
Hoping to make up some fundraising ground lost to COVID-19 postponements, the Mary Mac Foundation this week announced plans for a charity pickleball tournament, scheduled next month in Ocean Pines. Foundation co-founders Tim and Don McMullen previously announced the cancelation of the ninth
$
1699
$ 99 16
$
5-Pk. 12-In. Wreaker®Sawzall® Reciprocating Blades
3
$
99
Cuts wood, nail embedded wood, composite materials, plastic, light gauge 5-Pk. 12-In. non-ferrous metals & aluminum.
4999
19
$ $49 9999
$
899
78
$ $ 9999
4-Ft. Type I Fiberglass Step Ladder
250-Lb. duty rating. Molded top with tool slots, pinch resistant spreader braces, slip resistant rubber feet and double-rivet step 4-Ft. Type I Fiberglass Step construction.
64-Oz. Damp Rid® Moisture Absorber
Use in moving vehicles or vessels, such as RVs or boats, to prevent mold
1/2-In. 50-Ft. Soaker Hosefrom andxmildew stains and to protect 64-Oz. Damp Rid®
moisture damage. Compound Ladder Action Anvil Made from recycled rubber. Plastic couplings 6178826 Absorber 250-Lb. duty rating. Molded top with tool (maleMoisture &3665031 female) and plastic end cap. Saves Reciprocating Blades Lopper Use in moving vehicles or vessels, slots, pinch resistant spreader braces, slip Adds a bright light to any space indoor watersuch usage by 70 percent. Cuts wood, nail embedded wood, 2" diameter as RVs or boats, to prevent mold cutting capacity. resistant rubber feet and double-rivet step and outdoor. Mounts to any surface composite materials, plastic, light gauge and mildew stains and to protect from construction. Replaceable blade and anvil. 24" 0525956 with built-in magnet or adhesive non-ferrous metals &strips. aluminum. moisture damage. fiberglass handles. Extra-long 8" non6178826 400 lumens. Battery operated. 4105839 3665031 slip foam grips. 9588203 2585420
Wreaker®Sawzall® Double 4105839 LED Switch Light
annual charity golf tournament, because of the pandemic. However, the McMullens said they still hope to raise $30,000 to keep their pledge to area youth groups, who annually receive donations from the Mary Mac Foundation. Enter pickleball tournament organizers Daryl and Cathy Noble, and Frank Kramer, who came up with the idea for the inaugural “Mary Mac Foundation Pickleball Beach Fest.” “We had made $30,000 in commitments to youth groups, and the [foundation] board of directors met and decided we still have to fulfill their commitments,” Tim McMullen said. The Mary Mac Foundation Pickleball Beach Fest is scheduled Saturday, Aug. 8, beginning at 8 a.m. Scattered start times are possible and the rain date is Sunday, Aug. 9. The tournament will have a round-robin format based on skill level, with alternating partners. The cost to enter is $30, per person. For questions or to register, email OPSummerClassic@gmail.com. Checks may be made payable to: Mary Mac Foundation, 174 Nottingham Lane, Berlin, Maryland 21811. To pay online, visit marymac.org. Along with the pickleball tournament, McMullen said members of the Ocean Pines Golf and Racquet Sports community, upon hearing news that the annual golf event was canceled, have already pledged to aid the foundation. That support, he said, should help the foundation come close to its fundraising goals, despite not being able to host what has become its signature event.
OPA starts off year with a $92,000 surplus Payroll protection plan revenue offsets revenues shortfalls in amenities By TOM STAUSS Publisher he Ocean Pines Association started off the 2020-21 fiscal year with a $92,000 operating surplus in May, driven by more than $300,000 in payroll protection program revenues and significant controls on expenditures in amenity departments hard hit by covid-19 losses. The $92,117 positive operating fund balance was the result of revenues under budget by $370,351 offset by expenditures under budget by $462,468, suggesting that department heads have done a good job of finding ways to cut costs in the current environment. The numbers were reported by Finance Director Steve Phillips in a report to the Board of Directors last month. At the same time, however, it was clear that without the PPP funds, there would have been an operating loss in May. The OPA back in March received $1.14 million in federal PPP funds to support employee retention. Those funds are being allocated to General Administation over the course of several months, with $303,845 allocated in May. The OPA also is benefitting by $277,000 in PPP funds received by the Matt Ortt Companies to support employee retention in the Ocean Pines food and beverage operations managed by MOC at the Yacht Club, Beach Club and new golf clubhouse. It showed up in the payroll line items in these three operations, with both the Clubhouse Grille and the Beach Club having no net payroll expense in May despite having employees on board. The Yacht Club had less than $6,000 in payroll expense for the month, compared to $87,634 that had been budgeted. The pandemic’s impact on OPA food and beverage revenues were evident in May. The Yacht Club generated $66,021 in revenues for the month, under budget by about $200,00. The Beach Club generated $3,006 in revenues, compared to the budgeted $13,502.
T
The new Clubhouse Grille produced $1,941 in revenue, against the $35,000 budgeted. Covid-19’s impact on amenity membership was significant in May, but General Manager John Viola has said that with the possible exception of aquatics memberships, most amenity membership categories were making up for the May shortfall in June. The May financials when initially released did not include the usual detailed membership report, but revenues reported in departmental
Source: Ocean Pines Finance Department
Source: Ocean Pines Finance Department
summaries told the story. Golf membership revenues were $110,525 in May, compared to the budgeted $130,000. Greens fees revenues were $28,236 in May, way off the budgeted $131,784. Beach parking memberships were $147,215 in May, less than half the budgeted $300,511. Aquatics memberships sold during a month when it was not even certain if and when pools would open were $23,055, against the budgeted $147,975.
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
25
Racquet sport memberships sold also reflected pandemic conditions, though the impact was less stark. Tennis membership revenues were $15,925, compared to the budgeted $17,790. Pickleball had $14,585 in membership sales, compared to the budgeted $20,765. Platform tennis is further behind, with $6,695 in membership revenue in May compared to the $14,758 budgeted. Marina operations were the exception to the rule in May, with slip rentals of $181,416 not far from the budgeted $187,940. Fuel sales of $51,621 missed budget by $32,759, largely offset by fuel cost savings. Overall, marina operations were the best performing of all the amenities in May, with a $179,001 operq
OPA FINANCES
26 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
OCEAN PINES
July 2020
OPA financials From Page 25
ating surplus. Other amenity departments in the black for the month included beach parking ($144,525), golf ($114,455), pickleball ($13,279), platform tennis ($5,286), and tennis ($1,258). Departments that had operating losses for the month included the Clubhouse Grille (-$2,863), Aquatics (-$3,185), Beach Club (-$7,901), and the Yacht Club (-$35,258). Another way of assessing departmental performance is comparison to budget. At the end of the year, positive or negative performance to budget is what drives the operating surplus or deficit for the year. Of all the amenity departments, only the Beach Club outperformed its budget in May ($17,035). Parks and Recreation, which is partly funded by program fees and partly by lot assessments, outperformed its budget for the month by $5,632. All other amenity departments started the fiscal year behind budget, some significantly. Without the PPP revenues, the new fiscal year would look perilous, indeed. With about a fourth of the PPP revenues expended through May, there is a lot of this funding source available to offset negative variances to budget in amenities that might occur during the summer months. Beach parking after May was behind budget by $146,158, aquatics by $99,792, golf by $79,311, the Yacht Club by $16,140, the Clubhouse Grille by $13,413, platform tennis by $6,999, pickleball by $4,715, marinas by $3,362, and tennis by $2,942. Assessment departments with only one exception, compliance and permits, outperformed budget in May. The leader was general administration, ahead of budget by $336,075, because of the PPP funding. Status of reserves: The OPA’s reserve balance through May 31 was $8.33 million, up from $5.64 million at the end of April, reflecting new revenues from lot assessments of $2.84 million. The replacement reserve balance through May was $5.17 million, the bulkheads and waterways reserve $2.3 million, roads $709,589, and new capital $167,000. The latter is appearing in the reserve summary for the first time.
D
Board approves capital request for police station
uring a July 10 special meeting, the Board of Directors voted 6-0 to approve a capital purchase request for $23,576 for an access control system in the renovated Police station, with all funding to come from replacement reserves. One director, Tom Janasek, abstained from the vote, saying he did not have enough time to review documentation related to the purchase. During discussion of the capital purchase, General Manager John Viola said the Police station renovation should finish within the next few weeks. He added the project is currently tracking at roughly $200,000 below budget. Also during the meeting, the Board voted unanimously, 7-0, to approve a request from Worcester County to install an underground sewer pipe on OPA property, at a location not within the roadway easement. Association President Doug Parks, in proposing the motion, said the request would allow “a direct run of [an] underground pipe to connect the locations and minimize the associated costs.” Viola said the pipe installation would not adversely impact the environment, nor would it affect any private property. Parks added, “It’s my understanding that they [the county] took that route to avoid cutting down trees, disrupting private property and … being able to minimize the cost.”
COUNTY BRIEFS County accepts OPSA project bids
The Worcester County Commissioners approved bid recommendations for a series of water and wastewater projects in the Ocean Pines Service Area during a July 7 meeting. John Tustin, county public works director, presented staff recommendations for bid awards for rehabilitation of the Ocean Pines treatment plant, water tower work, and projects at pumping stations. Five bids were received for rehabilitation of treatment unit 3 at the treatment plant, with the low bidder of M2 Construction from Landsville, Pa. at $469,476. Tustin said the company recently completed rehabilitation of pumping stations A and B in Ocean Pines and the county was satisfied with their work. “They performed well in completion of that work and we see no reason they would be unable to complete this work as well,” he said. In conjunction with that project, the commissioners approved a bid recommendation for construction administration and inspection services for the treatment unit rehabilitation. The contract was awarded to George, Miles, and Buhr at a maximum cost of $16,650. The project will be paid for via a 2019 county bond issue. Most of the equipment needed for the project was purchased with funding from a 2015 bond issue, reducing the need for submittal reviews and therefore the cost, according to Tustin. The commissioners approved a change order for a project that is underway to rehabilitate the north
water tower in Ocean Pines. The change order was prepared to address leaks found in the tower after cleaning. “We haven’t really touched it in about 20 years,” Tustin said of the water tower. by Baldwin Industries. The $33,095 change order by Baldwin Industries will increase the total project cost to $330,295. The county received seven bids for rehabilitation of pump stations S and P in the OPSA, with the low bid from Retallack and Sons coming in at $390,719. Tustin said the county has not worked directly with the company in the past, but the firm did install the new wastewater pump station serving the Ocean Landing Shopping Center on the southside side of Route 50. Along with the construction contract, the commissioners awarded a contract for construction administration and inspection services to EA Engineering, Science, and Technology at a maximum of $39,280. Finally, the commissioners accepted a bid recommendation to pre-purchase the pump control panels for pump stations S and P at a cost of $28,500 each from Hartwell Engineering. Tustin said the county uses the standardized control panel for all pump stations it operates.
Bishopville Road traffic concerns
There is nothing Worcester County can do about traffic concerns on Bishopville Road, according to Public Works Director John Tustin. Tustin was responding to an email from resident Michael Evans regarding the new “Ocean City
Expressway,” Bishopville Road at St. Martin’s Neck Road. “Unfortunately a lot of those issues are on Bishopville Road” and that is a state highway, Tustin said, so any changes will be up to the state to make. Evans said traffic on those two roads has increase dramatically over the past few years, resulting in significant backups. He said cars are speeding on Bishopville Road, passing in no passing zones, and “wreaking general havoc.” He asked the county to pass an ordinance designating it as a local traffic only road so traffic apps like Waze would then take it off their route list. Tustin said the county lowered the speed on St. Martin’s Neck Road from 50 MPH to 40 MPH several years ago. Bishopville RFoad is a state highway, with the county taking maintenance responsibility of St. Martin’s Neck Road about onethird mile south of the intersection. “We’ve done everything we can do.” He pointed out that the intersection of Route 90 is controlled by a signal operated by the State Highway Administration that gives preference to vehicles traveling eastbound to Ocean City. Last year, SHA extended a short right turn lane for those wishing to head towards Ocean Pines. But, he said, drivers taking St. Martin’s Neck Road are headed to Ocean City, not Ocean Pines. County staff said SHA traffic operations center staff is working with both Waze and Google to eliminate Bishopville Road from their list of alternate routes into Ocean City.
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
CBD Oil • CBD Pain Cream • CBD Edibles • Highest Quality • Lab Tested
CBD Oil • CBD Pain Cream • CBD Edibles • Highest Quality • Lab Tested
CBD Oil • CBD Pain Cream • CBD Edibles • Highest Quality • Lab Tested
OPEN IN REHOBOTH 70 Rehoboth Ave, Unit 110, First Station
NOW OPEN IN SALISBURY 2420 N Salisbury Blvd., Lotus Plaza • 443-978-8149 OPEN IN REHOBOTH 70 Rehoboth Ave, Unit 110, First Station
OPEN IN REHOBOTH 70 Rehoboth Ave, Unit 110, First Station
OPEN IN REHOBOTH 70 Rehoboth Ave, Unit 110, First Station
OC Square Shopping Center - 118th Street, Next to Food Lion Ocean City, MD 21842
27
28 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
July 2020
The truth about snakes
LIFESTYLES
Ross Lederman seeks to change their poor reputations By SUSAN CANFORA Contributing Writer oor snakes. They are misunderstood, hated, wished dead. Over the years jokes about them have slithered into conversation, like W.C. Fields’ quip, “Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore always carry a small snake.” Legendary singer Bob Dylan penned these cryptic lyrics in his song “Jokerman”: “You were born with a snake in both of your fists while a hurricane was blowing.” And Leonardo da Vinci compared snakes to matrimony. “Marriage is like putting your hand into a bag of snakes in the hope of pulling out an eel,” he wrote. But the quote most relatable to Ocean Pines resident Russ Lederman is likely to be that of the late Australian wildlife expert Steve Irwin, who said, “Snakes are just very instinctive to me. I’ve been playing with snakes since before I could walk. It doesn’t matter where or what it is, from the biggest to the most venomous.” Like Irwin, Lederman has a deep knowledge of, and passion for, snakes. Despite their reputation for being dangerous, he knows they are woefully misunderstood, benefit the environment and are fascinating. To save them, he offers to go to Pines’ residents homes and, free of charge, take unwanted snakes away and safely relocate them. “I know a lot of people are afraid of snakes. The funny thing is, I can relate in this sense – I can’t stand heights. You would never see me buy a condo on the 18th floor. Impossible. I hate it. I get these weird thoughts like, ‘What if I go crazy and jump off the highest floor?’ Crazy, but I try to understand how people feel,” he said. “I tell people not to kill snakes. Even enjoy them. Enjoy the fact they might survive, hunt, climb trees with no arms and no legs,” said Lederman, who has had an interest in the creatures since childhood and whose insight into, and appreciation of, them is impressive. “Snakes have been vilified since very early times. In the Old Testament, snakes were the evil ones in the Garden of Eden. I have had peo-
P
Russ Lederman, known as The Snake Man, because of his knowledge and willingness to safely relocate snakes in Ocean Pines, holds one of his favorite books about the reptiles. With him is his grandson, Carson Lederman.
LIFESTYLES
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
q
ple tell me snakes are evil creatures. I’ve heard it more than once. For me, I admire them. I think they are very interesting reptiles, and I think they should be allowed to live,” he said, during a recent and pleasant afternoon conversation. “When I was growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., my idea of a good Saturday was flipping a board and finding a DeKay’s snake under it,” he said, referring to the brown to gray snake known by its lighter center stripe bordered by small black spots. The adults grow up to about a foot long and eat slugs, snails and earthworms. One recent Sunday morning, Lederman, an astronomer who designs optical devices for telescopes, was walking around Bainbridge Park in Ocean Pines, where he has spotted northern water snakes, harmless reptiles that eat fish and frogs, but said it’s getting more difficult to find them because most of the vegetation at the park has been cut down. Northern water snakes will “bite savagely if they are grabbed and poop all over you,” Lederman said. “I’ve been bit many times. The bite is painful but it’s not dangerous. They are fish eaters so they have sharp teeth. They eat vegetation around ponds and are commonly found at Bainbridge Park. They can be three-feet long, stout, stocky and heavily built,” he said. “If somebody does see a snake, any kind of snake, my advice is to leave it alone. Let it go about its business and if it happens to be a copperhead, which are relatively rare in Ocean Pines, at least learn how to identify it by its pattern, then leave it alone. More people are bitten by snakes by trying to kill them or handle them, as far as venomous snakes go. “A venomous snake can still bite you after it’s dead. It’s a built-in nervous reaction. People have been bitten handling dead copperheads. It’s amazing but it’s a nervous reaction, sort of like when a doctor hits your knee with a reflex hammer,” said Lederman, who can be reached to take away snakes by e-mailing darksky@mchsi.com or calling 410-251-4052. Ocean Pines, he explained, has a lot of northern water snakes, but no poisonous water moccasins, although he has had residents insist they saw them in the community. Although the venom of the water moccasin kills victims by causing a hemorrhage at the site where the poison is injected, the snakes are not easily provoked and, according to information written by those who have studied them, will leave humans alone unless they are cornered. “In Ocean Pines there is not much chance of getting hurt by a snake. In the most isolated areas there are some places that have copperheads. If you see them in your area, don’t walk out at night with no shoes, no flashlight, because they are basically lie-in-wait creatures. “If you walk on one at night you could get bitten. Most people who get bitten by copperheads step on them,” he said, explaining they could rest on a blacktopped driveway to get the warmth,”he said. Nocturnal hunters with elliptical, or catlike, pupils, they have been spotted in the Camelot Circle area, he said. The most common snake in Ocean Pines is the garter snake, completely harmless and identified by its checkered pattern on a green to beige skin. Also harmless are black rat snakes that are “fairly tame and easy to handle,” Lederman said. Ring-necked snakes eat soft-bodied insects. Beneficial but secretive, they like to be under rocks and are com-
29
Eastern garter snake, found in Lederman’s yard.
Northern water snake, well camouflaged in Bainbridge Park. The animals are harmless and eat fish and frogs.
LIFESTYLES
July 2020
mon in Worcester County, he said. Always interested in animals, Lederman remembered “picking ants off trees in fascination at the age of 4.” “I always loved amphibians, frogs, reptiles, snakes, lizards. My father got us a ribbon snake when we were very young. I had an older brother. He got it for my older brother,” he said. His knowledge is from reading books about snakes, especially Snakes of the World by Raymond Ditmars. “I read it over and over again. I love the way he describes snakes. He evokes a lot in his imagery,” Lederman said. “Snakes are essential for rodent control all over the world. Take something like the black rat snake. It will go down into burrows where there are rodents and it will eat an entire litter of young. It sounds disgusting, but we want to get rid of a lot of rodents. “The black rat snake is a constrictor. It will lock onto its prey and then throw a coil around it. As the animal breathes in, the snake tightens it constriction. As the animal tries to exhale, the snake tightens its grip. Snakes that constrict will eat mammals. Garter snakes eat toads. I’ve seen them eat toads. They swallow them whole,” he said, sharing a photograph of a red-tongued eastern garter he found in his yard. Snakes use their tongues to smell. “They taste the air or ground and have a Jacobson’s Organ on the roof of their mouths,” he said. It helps them determine if what they are sniffing is prey or predator. “Some people think snakes are slimy but they aren’t. A lot of them have beautiful patterns. Someone took a photo of an eastern king snake from the south section of Ocean Pines and posted it. “It’s an absolutely beautiful animal and in fact it preys on Copperheads and other things, so how can someone feel a snake like that is disgusting? “I am not asking anyone to love the animals but to understand and respect them. We tend to have ideas about certain things. There is so much information open to us if we just look for it. “The choice is, would you rather have preconceptions and closed minds or find out the truth?” He hopes it’s the latter.
Sarah’s Pantry and donations feed local people in need, from Ocean Pines to Pocomoke “People are just so generous,” says volunteer Marian Bickerstaff By JOSH DAVIS Special to the Progress ince the 1980s, Sarah’s Pantry has helped provide food for families in need, both in Ocean Pines and throughout Worcester County. The volunteer-driven outreach is supported by the Shepherd’s Nook Flea Market, and both are housed at the Community Church at Ocean Pines campus, on 11227 Racetrack Road. Marian Bickerstaff, who oversees Sarah’s Pantry, said the operation started off quite small, literally just a shack near the church. It was later given a small part of Shepherd’s Nook and, in 2014, an addition was built to give Sarah’s Pantry a permanent home. Shepherd’s Nook, she said, is “a huge blessing” that helps pay for utilities and “keeps a roof over our heads.” “Because of them, we were able to get a really nice-sized pantry and, on average, we were serving about 300 people before the pandemic,” Bickerstaff said.
S
Inside the pantry are several large shelves for dry goods, along with a refrigerator and large freezer for produce, poultry and other items. Bickerstaff said the pantry is a member of the Maryland Food Bank, which grants access to lower-priced food stuffs. The Ocean Pines Food Lion also donates supplies, three times each week. Bickerstaff said canned food donations are the most helpful — because of the longer shelf life — but the freezer is also regularly stocked with food. “Mountaire [Farms] gives us chicken. They come in with big, 40-pound boxes and men from our church bag them up [in] chicken quarters. We freeze them and they’ll go out to the families that we serve,” she said. “It’s everybody working together — we could never do this without the community support.” Like everything else, things changed at the pantry because of COVID-19. Today, all the volunteers wear face coverings — both masks and shields — as well as gloves throughout the day. q
From Page 29
Sarah’s Pantry volunteers Marian Bickerstaff, Carlyn Crout and Sidney Ward. q
30 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Snakes
LIFESTYLES
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
Two anonymous women carve out a miniature gnome village near the veterans memorial By JOSH DAVIS Special to the Progress hose walking the trail near the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines during the last few months may have been in for a small surprise: a miniature gnome village that appeared to magically spring from the hollow of a tree. The tiny village can be found on the trail along the pond, near Manklin Creek Road.
T
Two local women brought the scene to life, although both asked to remain anonymous. The goal, they said, was not attention, but just to brighten people’s days. “We really didn’t want to take any credit for putting a smile on people’s faces in this difficult time,” one of the women, who agreed to an anonymous interview in early May, said. Their labors have not gone unnoticed. One local weekly recently featured the gnome village,
31
respecting their desire to remain anonymous. “We have been walking the pond every morning for the past two years,” she continued. “We always talked about how that hole in the tree would make a cute home for an animal and wondered why none had ever taken up residence there.” The friend suggested the hollow would make for a “cute gnome home” and the woman agreed. “We decided we were going to make it one, so she brought the first gnome, the bench and moss. I added another gnome and the fencing. We kept adding a little more to it and eventually others did too,” she said. “It makes me happy, because people love it!” she continued. “It kinda just fit with the nature element and they [the gnomes] are very popular right now.” The two friends are thrilled with the positive response, which has included many posts on social media that shared photos of the tiny surprise. Ocean Pines also received numerous submitted photos of the scene. “We just wanted to brighten people’s day and bring a smile, and it did just that!” the woman said. “It made us even happier to see people joining in and adding to it. We all would love to live in the non-coronavirus gnome village right about now!” And what about other tiny gnome homes popping up in Ocean Pines? “We may do another hole in a tree!” the woman said. “There are some others we have spotted on our walks. Keep an eye out … there may be others.”
Two anonymous Ocean Pines women have carved their own miniature world along the walking trail in Veterans Memorial Park in South Ocean Pines.
Sarah’s Pantry From Page 30
Those donating food are asked to call ahead, and safety measures are used to ensure nothing inside the pantry is touched by outside hands. Staff was also reduced, down to two volunteers each day. Bickerstaff said most of the clients served by Sarah’s Pantry come through county agencies, including
the Worcester County Health Department, Worcester County Department of Social Services, and Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services. “What I saw in the pandemic was, some of the elderly that couldn’t get out, their social workers would come in for them and were taking them food,” Bickerstaff said. “We’ve also been sending loads of food to Pocomoke, because Pocomoke is so
desperate for food. They’re really in need.”Donations also go to people in Ocean Pines, Berlin, Snow Hill, Pocomoke, and some of the unincorporated places in Worcester. “In some ways, we’re passing through what we get to those that need it even more than we do [locally],” Bickerstaff said. “We were even seeing people from Stockton and Girdletree, and places like that in the lower part of the county. We
have to only serve Maryland because of being a Food Bank partner, but we definitely help throughout the county.” For those looking to help, Bickerstaff said what is most needed are monetary donations. “That way, we can purchase what we need most,” she said. To donate, call 410-6418392 or email pantry@ccaop.org. Sarah’s Pantry is open Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
32 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
LIFESTYLES
July 2020
Health care during covid-19: a local snapshot Ocean Pines resident Niki Morris is Atlantic General Hospital’s Director of Infection Prevention By JOSH DAVIS Special to the Progress he impact of covid-19 on first responders and health care workers cannot be overstated — long hours, hazardous conditions, and a grueling toll on physical and emotional well-being have become the new global standard. Locally, many at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin have been working seven days a week, since February, to do everything they could to quell the pandemic. However, along with the incredible hardships, there are also emerging stories of success and lessons learned, as workers slowly adjust to what is commonly being referred to as “the new normal.” Among those leading the effort at AGH are Director of Infection Prevention Niki Morris, an Ocean Pines resident who has been with the health care system for 16 years. She is a certified ICU nurse and became the IP manager, about a year ago. “I walked into the measles and a pandemic! I thought, what is this?” she said. “Last April, we had the re-emergence of the measles, so that was the first thing, and then I rolled right into the covid-19 pandemic. So, I’ve learned under fire.”
T
Tackling a pandemic
During a June 6 interview, Morris said AGH had been focusing on covid-19 (at that time) for 15 weeks. Staff started working on treatment and prevention in February, and opened the first local testing center on March 20, on 10th Street in Ocean City. Morris said the office became a full-scale respiratory clinic and was specifically staffed with “providers,” or experts in their field who are licensed by the state. Staff overhauled the building’s interior and doubled the number of air filtration systems, along with many other improvements designed to meet CDC guidelines to treat potential covid-19 cases, as well as evaluate and help treat other respiratory conditions. “ImmediCare at 10th Street was our first baby. It took a lot of work and effort to get that place set up,” Morris said. “It was unique, in that it was more than just swabbing and sending you on your way.
Suited up for duty at Atlantic General Hospital during the covid-19 pandemic are back, from left: Wesley Richardson and Megan Whetzel. Front, from left: Dr. James Skolka, Judith Clark and Dr. Alae Zarif
“We could focus on covid, but also look at strep throat, the flu, respiratory infections and sinus infections — we evaluated patients for all of it,” she continued. “Most places were set up just for covid screenings, but we actually went above and beyond that to offer those services to the community.” As of June 5, the clinic had swab-tested 577 people, Morris said. More recently, AGH also collaborated with the Worcester County Health Department to set up a testing site at the south end of the county, in Pocomoke. “That area was underserved when it came to covid services — there weren’t a whole lot of places for testing, and especially free testing,” Morris said. Along with setting up satellite outpatient clinics, AGH’s Berlin facility added ventilators and ICU beds, and built a covid-only wing with additional ICU space. AGH previously had eight ICU beds, but was able to more than triple that number, to 25.
The emergency room was also split to “clean and dirty,” or respiratory and non-respiratory cases. “If you come in with a fractured ankle, I’m not going to put you next to somebody who’s coughing and has covid symptoms,” Morris said. Like everywhere, the nursing staff at AGH has faced difficult conditions because of the pandemic. Morris said those caring for the sickest patients had to wear “PAPRs,” or Powered Air-Purifying Respirators, and Tyvek hazmat suits for 12-13 hours a day. “That’s a very taxing job,” she said. “It can be very difficult, mentally and physically.” To help prevent burnout, Morris said staff used a “team nursing” model with rotating shifts. Hospital leadership constantly re-evaluated existing models to look for creative solutions. “Everybody’s kind of stepped up to the plate,” she said. Among the external challenges, Morris said many local health care systems have struggled to get nec-
essary testing supplies. Simple issues of logistics, she said, often got between a hospital and a swab, or an N-95 mask. “I know that you see on the news that there’s a ton of it out there, but that’s not necessarily true,” she said. “But we’ve done an excellent job — at no point has it come down to if someone needed to be swabbed, that we couldn’t screen them or test them.” Compounding the issue, she said, was that initially the only test-processing site in Maryland was far away, in Frederick County. “[Testing] wasn’t something that was readily available,” Morris said. “But the State of Maryland has been really helpful, and we’ve worked closely with the Worcester County Health Department all along.” Morris said covid-19 services in the region and the ability to get necessary testing materials have vastly improved, despite some trying times early on. “The staff here at Atlantic General have done an amazing job at
LIFESTYLES making sure we have what we need, when we need it,” she said. “It’s much, much better now than it was. “Early on, commercial labs were having trouble getting swabs out for outpatient use. The same was true with PPE [Personal Protective Equipment]. We had the same struggles that everybody else had,” she continued. “Just in March, we were [short on supplies] because of the burn rate of what we needed on a daily basis … but that too has gotten better.” Morris credited staff with creative ordering and conservative usage to help offset shortages. She said both approaches are still being used, today. “We don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring,” she said. “Just because we have [supplies] today — summer is coming and more people are coming into town, so we’re just kind of watching our numbers and seeing where we’re going, as an organization.”
“The new normal”
Morris said she does not expect a return to “normal,” at least not as everyone previously knew it. “I don’t think we’re going to have an ‘old normal,’ or normal like we had before. That’s just not where we are,” she said. “With this virus, we may see a little lag time in the middle of summer, but I think this fall we’re going to see it come back again, so we have to prepare for that.” With everything that’s been done, however, Morris said the hospital environment is among the safest places to be. “It’s safer coming here than it is going to a store,” she said. “We have the proper PPE, and we have the right people doing the right screenings and putting the right people where they need to be, safely. “I always say I feel safest at work. We have everything we need here, and we’re conscious about it and talking about it every day,” Morris added. During the peak of covid-19 cases in Maryland, while Worcester County was largely spared — at least statistically — AGH was not. As of June 8, there were 239 confirmed cases in Worcester, compared to 984 in nearby Wicomico County and 4,353 in neighboring Sussex County, Delaware. Many of those cases in lower Sussex County came through AGH. “On paper it looked like we didn’t have any [cases],” Morris said. “I ac-
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
tually had someone at the hospital entrance one day say to me, ‘So, you guys don’t have covid here, right?’” As for why covid-19 didn’t spread more rapidly through Worcester County, Morris pointed to the Worcester County Health Department, who conducted “contact tracing,” or logging of those who had been near to all 239 Worcester covid cases. “Our health department has been dedicated to doing those case investigations,” Morris said. “When I get a positive case I report it … and they call them and follow up with all their contacts, using their contact tracers. “Letting them know and putting them on home quarantine makes all the difference in the world,” Morris continued. “A lot of areas didn’t have the resources to keep doing those case investigations, and you can easily see where some of those areas were. So, testing and case investigation were the way to keep [covid] under control, and we were fortunate that they have been doing a great job with case investigation.” The wholesale effort — including inpatient and outpatient care, cooperation with neighboring agencies, and all the precautions and planning — also helped to largely spare the medical workers in Worcester, Morris said. “We put a lot of things in place and … we were just talking about how lucky we’ve been with our staff — knock on wood,” she said. “You read about these hospitals losing hundreds of staff members. But, if
we see a problem, we identify it and address it immediately.”
Lessons learned
Going forward, Morris said there’s a lot the hospital can learn from the pandemic, especially about operational efficiency. “One thing I said to my boss is how much leaner we’re going to be, as an organization,” she said. “We always had everything we need or better than we need, or multiple choices. When covid came, that wasn’t the case. We had to figure out, where am I wasting stuff and what can I do to make this better?” Morris said the hospital system also learned more about the efficiency of telemedicine and teleworking. Today, most or all staff meetings are online, something Morris said has made the operation even more efficient. “I think we’re just going to be leaner as an organization,” she said. “I also think we’re going to be cleaner, meaning there will be less clutter. You won’t walk into an office now and find a bunch of brochures on the wall. If we don’t absolutely need it, that might just be a place for dirt to settle or germs to gather. So, all of that stuff has changed, and for the better.” To the many still concerned about about COVID-19, Morris said all of the hype about hand-washing and face coverings is absolutely true. “We learned washing our hands
33
in kindergarten, right? Now, the public is way more conscious than they’ve ever been about touching doors, washing your hands, hand sanitizer, not touching your face — and those things are important,” she said. “That’s how you get sick, even if it’s not covid. That’s how we get the flu or any other virus that can live on a surface. “It’s just about making those right decisions and making sure we’re washing our hands. And, I’m a firm believer in masks. I know they work, because we’ve taken care of plenty of covid patients,” she continued. “We will continue to require masks in our hospital, not only for the safety of our patients, but for the safety of our staff too. If a patient is coming in sick, we need to take care of them and make them better. But also, if a staff member is healthy, we need to make sure they stay that way.” The other important takeaway, she said, is how much everyone can benefit from a little collaboration. “I think Worcester County overall has done really well utilizing our resources, and we’ve developed great relationships with the health department and others, all the way down to the Berlin Nursing Home right in our front yard,” Morris said. “There’s been a lot of community effort and it’s so nice when everyone comes together for one cause. Those are some of the things that we’ll take away from this. We were always friendly, but now we know we can count on each other if we need something.”
Traditional & Cremation Services Available for Pre-Need Arrangements
The Burbage Funeral Home 108 Williams Street, Berlin 208 W. Federal Street, Snow Hill Berlin• Ocean City Ocean Pines • Snow Hill
410-641-2111
Since 1810, we’ve been caringTradition” for people like you “An Eastern Shore
CAPTAIN’S COVE
July 2020
Cove board locks in $1200 dues for next year By TOM STAUSS Publisher he Captain’s Cove property owners association’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to lock in $1200 membership dues for the 2020-21 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The action was taken in a virtual meeting June 25. Although the budget for next year is in its early stages, the board action means the revenue collected from the $1200 assessment will be used as a placeholer as the budget is drafted. It was anticipated that the dues would be increased $200 or more to deal with rising costs of operating the Cove association. The licensing agreement recently negotiated with Billy Casper Golf will generate operational savings for the Cove sufficient to avoid an increase. At a board meeting last month, Cove President Tim Hearn indicated that another $100 in operational savings would need to be found to
T
keep the dues at $1200, but at the June 25 meeting he made no mention of that. He said next year’s budget would be a conservative one suitable for a recessionary period produced by the covid-19 pandemic. He said there would be little in the way of capital expenditures next year, other than relatively inexpensive items called for in the association’s reserve study that dates back to 2016. The $1200 will produce about $3 million in revenue, augmented by revenues generated by the Marina Club bar and restaurant. The restaurant has reopened consistent with Virginia distancing mandates. By keeping the assessment at $1200, there might be a slight operating loss next year, Hearn said. Because of the association’s strong balance sheet, specifically its $1 million-plus cash holdings, the Cove will be able to manage a slight operating loss, Hearn said.
Cindy Welsh
In response to a question from a resident, he acknowledged that the board had not yet finalized a licensing agreement with BCG. But the broad strokes of the agreement are already being implemented. BCG is managing the pro shop and is continuing to maintain the course, with the Cove subsidizing course maintenance in the amount of $200,000 per year. A new greens fees and membership rate structure went into effect with the announcement of the licensing agreement last month. Cove association members pay $10 to walk nine holes; the rate is $15 for a riding cart. The18-hole walking rate is $20; the rate for 18 holes with cart is $25. Under the licensing agreement, all revenues generated by the course is kept by BCG to offset its operating expenses other than course maintenance. Cove association members also
can purchased annual memberships, prorated from the day of purchase. The regular mmbership year is April 1 through March 31 of the following year. Rates start at $400 for individuals and $600 for families not including carts. Including carts, the rates are $1000 for individuals and $1500 for families. There is also a rate for those who own their own carts, $700 for individuals and $1050 for families. Cart usage on Cove streets -- During the meeting, Hearn reaffirmed a previous board policy that allows owners of golf carts to ride their vehicles on Cove streets from their homes to the golf course or other Cove amenities. This is made possible in part because Cove streets are privately owned by the POA. CARES Act revenue -- Hearn announced that although not a township, Captain’s Cove will receive a portion of Accomack County’s share of federal CARES Act revenues, subject to filling out an application for funds the county is not distributing to the townships. “We’re gonna get a slice of the (county’s share of) PPP,” Hearn said,
4243 Captain’s Corridor, Greenbackville, VA. 23356
302-381-6910 (cell)
757-854-1604 (office) candhwelsh@aol.com
Captain’s Cove -- Hidden Treasure on Virginia’s Eastern Shore 37329 Doubloon Dr. • $170,000
New Construction
3BR/2BA, 1304 sq ft New Construction, Rancher, Stainless Steel Appliances, Screen Porch
2275 Captain’s Corridor • $212,400
Under Contract
3BR/2BA 1639 sq ft, New Construction-Mackerel Model, Open Floor Plan, Private Screen Porch
2380 Octopus Rd. • $189,900
Under Contract
3BR/2BA 1496 sq ft., New Construction, Rancher, Dolphin 2012 Model, 1 Car Garage, Screen Porch
344 Meridian Dr. • $233,500 Golf Course
3BR/2.5 2114 sq ft., New Construction, Tarpon Plus Model W/Bonus Room, 2 Car Garage, Screen
2252 Pike Dr. • $204,500
Lots of Upgrades
3BR/2BA 1359 sq ft, Completely remodeled & loaded with Upgrades. A must see!
3274 Scimitar Way • $375,000 Waterfront
4BR/2.5 BA 2280 sq ft., Hardwoods, Kitchen Upgrades, Screen Porch, New Bulkhead, Skylights, Sunroom, A must see!
q
34 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
CAPTAIN’S COVE in reference to payroll protection program money. John Ward complaint -- Hearn disclosed that long-time board critic John Ward has filed another complaint, which has been referred to Cove attorneys Pender and Coward. The issue has to do with whether the developer can delegate lots to another entity, Hearn said, adding that Ward seems to be relying on a since-amended law to make his a case. A hearing date is pending. Reserve study update -- On the recommendation of Facilities Manager Rob Giard, the board approved a motion to authorize him to proceed with sending out bid specifications to prospective vendors to update the Cove’s reserve study, last done in 2016. Updates under Virginia law are required every five years. Marina Club outdoor pool -- Giard announced that with the recent phase III reopenings in Virginia, it’s now possible to allow open swim at all three Cove pools. The last pool to reopen under the revised guidelines is the Marina Club outdoor pool, which had been closed under Phase II’s requirement restricting pool use to lap swim and exercise only. The Marina Club is designed for open recreational swimming activities only. Giard also said the arts and crafts center remains closed, the fitness center is open with a limit of three individuals, and the library in the Marina Club is open with only one broswer allowed in at a time. Refund issue -- Hearn spent considerable time during the June 25 meeting defending the board’s decision not to refund any of the $1200 in dues to compensate members for the closure of Cove amenities in recent months because of the covid-19 pandemic. A property owner insisted that the board obtain a legal opinion on the issue. Hearn said in essence that the issue had been decided by the full board and that obtaining a legal opinion would be money poorly spent. He said that even though amenities were closed for awhile because of the pandemic, facilities still needed to be maintained. He said that whenever amenities have been closed for needed repairs, there have been no refunds issued. The exception to a no-refund policy would be for a round of golf paid for in advance that could not be fulfilled. Hearn suggested that the property owner obtain additional information on the issue from the state’s HOA Act ombudsman.
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
35
FEATURED MODEL
Mackerel
www.jabuildersllc.com
$205,000
Building Captain’s Cove One Home at a Time Partnering with Cindy Welsh of Hall Realty -- Call Cindy for Details! Sea Robin
Dolphin 2012
$145,500
$181,500
Ranch Style Home 3 BR / 2 BA 1288 Sq Ft
Ranch Style Home 3BR / 2BA 1496 Sq Ft
Rancher 3BR/2 BA • 1657 sq ft. 1 Car garage Screen Porch
Sailfish
$201,000
Ranch Style Home 3 BR / 2 BA 1527 Sq Ft
Skipjack $210,000
Ranch Style Home 3 BR / 2 BA 1525 Sq Ft
Tarpon
Tarpon Plus
Marlin
2-Story Contemporary Home
2-Story Contemporary Home 3 BR / 2.5 BA 1722 Sq Ft
2-Story Contemporary Home 3 BR / 2.5 BA 1874 Sq Ft
2-Story Contemporary Home
Tiger Shark
Hammerhead
Thresher
Mako
$190,000
$203,000
3 BR/2.5 BA 1607 Sq Ft
$189,900
$250,000
Raised Home on Pilings 3 BR/2 BA 1349 Sq Ft
Raised Home on Pilings 3 BR / 2 BA 1663 Sq Ft
$216,500
$251,500
Raised Home on Pilings 3 BR/2 BA 1745 Sq Ft
Striper
$265,500
3 BR / 2.5 BA 2243 Sq Ft
$278,000
Raised Home on Pilings 4 BR/3.5 BA 1940 Sq Ft
J&A Builders specializes in spec home sales and new home construction. All of our models are “stick built” and feature a first floor master suite with standard appliance package, and Low-E windows. These are a few of our models we can build on your lot. Prices DO NOT include the the lot. Homes are of similar design and may have upgrades. Prices good for Captain’s Cove, Greenbackville, Va. Only. MHBR #4790
CINDY WELSH - REALTOR Hall Realty
4323 Captain’s Corridor Greenbackville, VA. 23356 302-381-6910 (cell) 757-854-1604 (office) 757-854-1606 (fax) Email: candhwelsh@aol.com
36 Ocean Pines PROGRESS July 2020
Professional Services Contractor--Home HomeImprovements Improvements Contractor
Dental Services
Ron Sanko Construction
For all your home improvement needs Serving Ocean Pines Since 1985
Gerard F. Ott, D.M.D., P.A. Jeremy Masenior, D.D.S. 1 Pitts Street Berlin, MD 21811
Family Dentistry
Additions, decks, porches, garages, bathroom & kitchen remodels, redecking
410-641-3490 Drottdmd@gmail.com
Attorneys
rsconstruc@aol.com MHIC #23610
Automobiles/trucks
Racetrack Auto Sales
COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A.
We buy and sell like-new and used cars and trucks
General Practice of Law
• Real Estate Settlements • Wills & Estates • Civil Litigation • Taxes
410-641-7685
• Incorporation • Criminal • Landlord-Tenant
CALL 410-352-5715
Thomas K. Coates Raymond D. Coates, Jr. W. Hank Fisher III
THEYARD YARD GUY, THE GUY,Inc. Inc.
B. Randall Coates
MOWING & WEED CONTROL
Lawn Care
Serving Ocean Pines, Berlin & West Ocean City
6200 Coastal Hwy, Suite 300, Ocean City 410-723-6000
Monthly Billing, Credit Cards Accepted
(former State’s Attorney for 12 years)
410-213-0261
204 West Green St., Snow Hill • 410-632-3090 Advertising
Advertise Your Business Here As Low as $12/week
Call 443-359-7527 to Place Your Ad
OPINION
37
No, Dr. Horn, you really don’t get it
he quote by Colette Horn elsewhere on this page was part of closing remarks in a virtual candidate’s forum last month. Very few Ocean Pines residents watched the live stream; there were 112 views of the YouTube recording as of July 6. Is that an accurate barometer of just how interested OPA members are in this year’s board election? Perhaps, and if so that’s either a sad commentary on the state of affairs here in Ocean Pines or a reflection of general satisfaction with how the OPA has been managed of late. Or maybe OPA Vice President Steve Tuttle’s observations (see below) are spot on. Let’s parse Dr. Horn’s commentary and attempt to set her straight on some key misunderstandings. With the exception of the all but defunct Search Committee, there really aren’t a lot of vacancies on the OPA’s advisory committees. So where’s the evidence of difficulty in finding volunteers? People drop off for various reasons, and vacancies are filled when they’re announced and even when they’re not. The process of filling the advisory committees is really no different now than it has been since the earliest days in Ocean Pines. Dr. Horn is living in an alternative universe if she sees difficulty here. Again, where’s the evidence? A recurring theme from committee members over the years is that they feel they’re ignored by boards, which depending on the year and circumstance, may be true to a lesser or greater extent. To the degree that there is an inordinate number of vacancies at any given point in time, perhaps this is the more cogent explanation for why that is. Of late, however, committees are adquately populated. Doug Parks as OPA president has made a notable effort to make committees more useful and more appreciated during his tenure, and that could be the reason there’s no dearth of volunteers. That’s the real story here, not Dr. Horn’s conspiratorial spin. Unlike year’s past, this year is notable for the lack of board candidates. The bylaws requirement for two more candidates than board vacancies has not been met this year. Steve Tuttle recently offered his opinion as to why that might be the case. His take: a lack of controversy or issues that motivate people who want to make a difference. In times
on her integrity. She doth protests to excess; it’s nothing of the kind. Civil discourse is in the eye of the beholdAn excursion through the curious cul-de-sacs An excursion through theby-ways curious and by-ways and cul-de-sacs er, of course, and someone whose of Worcester County’s County’s most densely community. of Worcester mostpopulated densely populated community. positions are challenged may take it By TOM STAUSS/ By TOM Publisher STAUSS/Publisher personally and pretend it’s a personal attack. Her integrity and demeanor is not the issue here. Neither have “I want to address difficulties in attracting volunteers to committees and been challenged. Rather, this col[to run for] the board. There are two individuals in the community who publish stories designed to sow controversy. I get it. They’re businessmen. umn has had serious disagreements with some or her policy positions. Controversy is an excellent tool for increasing readership and improving the bottom line. But this approach is not good for Ocean Pines. Instead of Here’s a summary: 1. In recent board discussions fueling civil discourse on real concerns, they use their stories to attack the about regulating short-term rentals integrity of our volunteers. No wonder people don’t want to step up and in Ocean Pines, Horn seemed recepput themselves in the crosshairs.” -- Colette Horn, candidate, Ocean Pines tive to one possible remedy: amendAssociation, Board of Directors ing the restrictive covenants to either ban short-term rentals altogether or “As usual, Colette Horn does not have a clue, assuming one of her refto impose fines on members who run erences is to me and OceanPinesForum.com, even if she lacks the courafoul of restictions. There are other age to name her imaginary, but obvious, two culprits. The forum has means of enforcement that she also operated more or less as a public service for over 15 years. There surely favors, but policy-making often inis no bottom line worth mentioning. Maybe Colette would like to be an volves choosing from among myriad ad salesman, run up a nice profit margin for the forum, and thus make options. Solutions to problem propher incorrect and uninformed comments correct. Gosh, that might make erties do not require the draconian us both happy. Keeping a close eye on the Board of Directors, a body, measures that she believes warrant including Horn for the last three years, that has violated the OPA bylaws investigating. If she had close to a and Maryland corporate law with impunity, is no easy task. But someone board majority, she might be pushshould do it. If facts and truth discourage people from joining commiting to amend the covenants. tees or running for the board, so be it.” -- Joe Reynolds, oceanpinesfo2. In a recent statement, she rum.com sounded the alarm about possible significant increases in the lot of relative tranquility, he seems to verse. If this publication’s opinion assessment next year because of imply, fewer OPA members see a writer is the one that she believes need or reason to step up. puts volunteers in the crosshairs, Horn, on the other hand, sees me- also for commercial gain, she comdia personalities sowing controversy pletely misinterprets, misreads and and putting directors in the cross- miscasts the relationship between The Ocean Pines Progress, a journal hairs as the primary if not only rea- editorial content and ad dollars. of news and commentary, is pubson for the dearth of candidates. She Somewhat ironically, decades lished monthly throughout the year. presents no evidence for that, and ago, Reynolds occasionally took the It is circulated in Ocean Pines, Berthat largely defeats the argument. position that the Progress and prelin, Ocean City, and Captain’s Cove, She postulates that commercial decessor publications took certain Va. motivations are the reasons publish- editorial positions to help them sell ers and managers of Web sites sow ads. There was never any evidence 127 Nottingham Lane seeds of controversy. She sees cause for that then, any more than there Ocean Pines, MD 21811 and effect: an improved bottom line is now. If Dr. Horn can cite any par(more ad sales) from controversy. ticular advertisement that appears PUBLISHER/EDITOR There’s no evidence of this either. in this publication because of some Tom Stauss She really doesn’t get it at all de- controversial statement made in stausstom@gmail.com spite her statement that she does. print on the editorial side, she is 443-359-7527 In the case of oceanpinesforum.com, free to present it. She will be hard site manager Joe Reynolds doesn’t pressed to do so, because none exAdvertising Sales lift a finger to sell ads on his site. ists. Frank Bottone Ever. Google might send him a few Granted this publication has on 410-430-3660 bucks for ads that appear but com- occasion taken exception to posimercial motivations are the least tions advocated by Dr. Horn. Is this CONTRIBUTING WRITERS of his cares. He’s a pot-stirrer, to be approach bad for Ocean Pines? She Rota Knott sure, but since when is robust dis- seems to think it is, but she conflates InkwellMedia@comcast.net sent and debate a negative. Those of Ocean Pines’ interests with her own 443-880-3953 delicate natures need not apply to interest in re-election. be decision-makers in a community Even more self-indulgently, she Susan Canfora such as Ocean Pines. insists that articulated differences myboyruss@earthlink.net The same is true of the second with her positions on various issues 410-208-8721 offender in Dr. Horn’s curious uni- in Ocean Pines constitutes an attack
LIFE IN THE LIFE INPINES THE PINES
q
T
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
38 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
OPINION
July 020
COMMENTARY
A moderate position on short-term rentals
T
he Board of Directors at its July 1 monthly meeting avoided unforced errors when debating the issue of short-term rentals in Ocean Pines. The directors could have gone down the route of endorsing amending the restrictive covenants of older sections in Ocean Pines to allow the OPA to levy fines against offending property owners. They could have opted to ban short-term rent-
als altogether, which would prevent property owners from contracting with such reputatable companies as Airbnb to rent out their homes or rooms in their homes to generate extra income. They did neither, and they are to be commended for resisting the impulse to resort to heavy-handed solutions to a problem that has not reached pandemic levels. AirBnB and similar companies have less than 200 homes in Ocean
Pines in their inventories of short-term rentals, and there are maybe three or four homes in Ocean Pines that are considered problem properties. That means that by and large most short-term rentals in Ocean Pines coexist with their neighbors peacefully. A task force has been created to come up with some longer-term solutions for problem properties. This process should be allowed to unfold. -- Tom Stauss
LETTER
W
The kindness of law enforcement
e live in unsettled and tumultuous times that are challenging our traditions, institutions and culture. One of those institutions which is under duress is our law enforcement system brought to the surface by a heinous act in the city of Minneapolis. Now, it has morphed into a direct attack on our history and culture. This letter is not intended to be an indictment or defense of our law enforcement establishment but rather, to express some thoughts about a recent event in my life. I want to share with the reader an encounter I had with law enforcement within the last week. It was 9 p.m. when my door bell rang. When opening the door there was a police officer on my porch. “Are you John F. Collins,” she asked. “Yes.” “Did you play golf today at the Ocean Pines golf course”? “Yes.” “Do you know where your golf clubs are”? “Oh my, I forgot them.” It was explained to me that she
Life in the Pines From Page 33
covid-19 operational losses. The problem with such alarmist rhetoric is that the worst-case scenarios she seems to fear fail to take into account payroll protection program funds already in hand in the amount of $1.4 million that are designed to prevent these kinds of losses. There are early indications that the pandemic is not decimating OPA finances, and assuming a vaccine is found by the end of this year or soon after, there is no particular reason to budget for huge losses next year or
was on routine patrol and noticed some golf bags left at the bag drop area. She put them in her car and took them to the station for safekeeping. She determined my address and looked me up. Now you may think this trivial and unnecessary but think about the kindness and consideration of a police officer to a member of the community. Well, if you think about it most of us encounter police when enforcing our traffic regulations and it may not be a pleasant experience. However think about these experiences: • How many times have you witnessed police endeavoring to find a lost or missing child or even when we see an amber alert, silver alert and others. That’s positive policing that should not be taken for granted • Returning a beloved pet that has lost its way. • Heroically saving the life of an injured person in a car wreck while
putting their life at risk. • Assisting a bewildered person on a highway whose car has broken down or has a flat tire. • Actively sponsoring girls and boys clubs across the country. Coaching and teaching little leaguers in our community. • Protecting and assisting us from the ravages of a storm. There are many other examples that you may recall from your experiences in the metro areas and here locally. Simply stated they are a positive force. Thus my point; we need to come together. Law enforcement and citizenry working in unison for our common goal is the preservation of our right of living in peace. To do this we each have to play a role. Policing’s role is to respect and protect the community. Respecting the members of that community and protecting them from harm. The community role is taking responsibility for our actions by obeying just
laws and supporting the men and women in blue by offering them random acts of kindness. Without these efforts our community is diminished. Police Chief Massey said it best when he said that “you treat everyone with respect. You’re not always going to get that back, but you have to endure.” He perfectly defined the role of law enforcement, and the actions of the officer on my front porch put these words into action. To me the words of the Chief cut both ways. Let’s all of us, young and old come together to preserve our community as a special place and a safe environment. I end this letter by quoting a late 18th century statesman J. W. Von Goethe: “The way you see people is the way you treat them and the way you treat them is the way they become.” Think about it! Jack Collins Ocean Pines
large assessment increases. As one example, the wedding banquet business should be back in full swing next year, just one area that should see a rebound in revenues. 3. Although she has denied it, a trustworthy source has told the Progress that Dr. Horn has a problem with someone without a college degree becoming GM when John Violi decides to retire, which could happen in June of 2022. That prejudicial position would work against the promotion of Amenities Director Colby Phillips to GM. Dr. Horn is also willing to entertain the possibility of hiring an out-
side search firm to help the board find Viola’s replacement among those who work for municipalities. The more enlightened approach would be to resolutely determine to hire from within. 4. As OPA secretary, she was involved in a decision that denied a former director and acting GM to run for the board. Rather than work with the candidate to resolve the issue, she opted for a hard line, denying OPA members another choice on the ballot. 5. As OPA secretary, she was involved in the decision rejecting the petition of former Director Slobodan
Trendic for a referendum to lower board spending authority. When 800 members sign a petition asking for a referendum, directors should listen, whether or not they agree with the referendum’s objective. Dr. Horn’s positions on these issues are legitimate matters for consideration by OPA members when they vote this year. No doubt there are those among us who agree with her on these matters. Others, not so much. These differences do not constitute an assault of Dr. Horn’s integrity. These are matters of judgment, not character.
July 2020 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
Call for your FREE crawl space assessment! 410-543-4848 MHIC #102406
39
“Delmarva’s Crawl Space Experts!”
40 Ocean Pines PROGRESS July 2020
We’re by your side so you can stay at home.
Whether you are looking for someone to help a few hours a week or need more comprehensive assistance, Home Instead can help. SM
Home Instead CAREGivers can provide a variety of services. Some include:
Call for a free, no-obligation appointment
410.641.0901
• Personal Care • Memory Care • Hospice Support • Meals and Nutrition • Companionship Care • Transportation Each Home Instead Senior Care® franchise office is independently owned and operated. © 2020 Home Instead, Inc. • License #R3740
Locally Owned and Operated
HomeInstead.com/734