New B-08 resolution on ethics, conflicts of interest introduced

Draft includes no enforcement mechanism

By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer

Astreamlined Resolution B-08 to provide guidance for the Ocean Pines Association’s governing body on ethics and appropriate conduct was introduced for a first reading by the Board of Directors during the Board’s June 17 monthly meeting.

Director Colette Horn offered a motion to approve a new Resolution B-08, Director Ethics and Conduct, to make it a policy statement on the principles of ethics and conduct to guide directors in the carrying out of their roles on the Board.

No director offered any criticism of the draft, which suggests it could be easily approved on second reading by the Board as early as the July meeting.

As background, Horn said this revision came about as a result of discussions in recent Board meetings regarding issues of confidentiality and conflicts of interest that are not appropriately addressed in other governing documents.

When the previous version of B-02 was “laid to rest” by the Board, Horn said that was due to issues with enforceability of the resolution.

“This does away with all that” and simply outlines expectations of Board members as guidance rather than enforceable actions, she said.

The earlier version of the resolution that was repealed on a motion by former Director Frank Daly roiled the Board almost since its inception, with some directors using it as a cudgel against directors who did not be-

To Page 16

Beautiful luxury 3 bedroom 2 full bath first floor unit in Points Reach complex of Ocean Pines. Gracious entry hall leads to gourmet cook’s delight kitchen with bar seating, granite counter tops and pantry closet. Dining and living areas have views to balcony that stretch across the entire unit. Hardwood floors in living areas and carpet in bedrooms. Corner gas fireplace in living room. Primary suite has 2 walk-in closets and bath with whirlpool tub/shower. Built-in Viking Grill on balcony. Some rooms recently repainted. Geo-thermal heat pump. Hot Tub included. Included is a personal storage room in the Bike Barn. Kayak storage is also available for rent. A great tranquil view of the wetlands and open water. Ready for immediate occupancy.

Perfect vacation get-away place for your summer and weekends in the fall and winter.

Immaculately maintained cottage home with a nice shade tree and deck is located within minutes of Ocean City and Berlin. Nice set of bunk beds, with an extra mattress underneath, along with 2 sleeper sofas make this great for all to enjoy. Unit has a small washer and dryer in it. Detached shed is perfect for your bikes and beach gear. Clubhouse, laundry and bath house, swimming pool with lifeguard, cable TV, basketball court, dhildren's playground, picnic area, boat marina with slip fee usage, lawn maintenance, boat ramp and RV storage with fee available, trash service, water and sewer and management. Not a year-round community. Full-time occupancy only from April 1 through September 30. Between September and April homes may only be occupied for 30 consecutive days or an aggregate of 60 days. All weekend enjoyment allowed.

Oh, will you be surprised when you walk in the front door! NEW PRICE for this totally redone and updated interior to a classic rancher. Luxury vinyl plank floors, sliding barn style door to large dining area or office. Kitchen is updated with new cabinets and appliances and has a large center island. Separate laundry room. Additional area off the kitchen could be for a table or cozy sitting area by the woodstove that uses propane. Spacious living room. All bedrooms are roomy and baths have been updated, too. Large rear deck perfect for sunbathing or grill and eating outside. Roof replaced with architectural shingles maybe 20 years ago. Easy access to Rt. 50 for shopping and the beach. One metal shed plus a larger detached shed. The septic was pumped and certified in good working order about 5 months ago. Owner is still doing a few finishing touches but it is easy to see.

New B-08 resolution

From Page 14 half in accord with some of its provisions.

Attempts to remove certain directors were launched, unsuccessfully. Even so, its provision kept previous Boards in a state of internal conflict.

The new resolution states that Board members should place the interests of the association above those of individual association members when conducting OPA business.

They should “always act within the authority given to them by association members, the governing documents of the Ocean Pines Association and the State of Maryland when conducting association business.”

Regarding confidential information, the proposed resolution says directors are responsible for protecting the personal information of about fellow directors or their family members that has been identified by the source as confidential; personal information of association employees; and results of disciplinary actions involving association employees.

It states that information or opinions concerning legal disputes in which the association is or may be involved must be kept confidential unless receiving the prior written approval of association legal counsel.

The draft resolution also states that any and all information received during closed meetings that are permissible under the Maryland Homeowners Association Act, or discussed via hard copy, email or other electronic means before or after the meeting, are also considered confidential.

Other information obtained in hard-copy, electronic, or email form that may be designated by the source as confidential would also fall under the new resolution.

The resolution directs Board members to “take reasonable steps to ensure that confidential information and/or documents contained in emails or obtained in hard copy shall remain inaccessible to discovery or disclosure.”

That will apply during and following the end of a Board term “unless such disclosure or discovery is authorized by legal counsel as part of legal action in which the information is designated as party of the discovery process.”

This includes the confidentiality

To Page 18

18 Ocean Pines PROGRESS July 2023

New B-08 resolution

From Page 16 of Board email passwords and access to director email accounts and contents and any hard-copy materials covered by the resolution that are stored in the director’s home, office or other location outside of the association offices.

Under the provisions of the reso lution, a director may give advice to the OPA general manager when re quested, but clarifies that directions and assignments to the general manager will come from the Board. Those will be based on decisions made by Board vote or explicitly designated consensus agreement.

“In order to ensure efficient management of operations; to avoid conflicting instructions from the Board to management; and to avoid potential legal liability, no director shall give specific direction to management, employees, or suppliers unless authorized or delegated by the Board of Directors or unless consistent with the duties of the Director’s role if they are also serving as an officer,” the draft indicates.

Any employee who contacts an individual director for the purpose of conveying a complaint will be instructed to bring the matter to the attention of the general manager or the association’s designated human resources officer, according to the draft.

It is not certain when the draft will be brought to the Board for a second reading and adoption, but it could happen as early as the July Board meeting.

That is the last meeting of the

410-208-0707

Limited

Hours

6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily

Open

Board’s current term, and would be Horn’s last monthly meeting as a director.

The Board also held a first reading of changes to Resolution C-14, Racquet Sports Advisory Committee, to revise language pertaining to the function of the committee and the membership of the committee.

The revision was suggested by the Racquet Sports Advisory Committee based on its review of the function and membership of the committee.

Horn, who introduced the resolution, said it is the goal of the committee to reflect a function that supports the new racquet sports professional serving as manager of the racquet facility in his operations role and to remove itself from operations matters.

Please call ahead to place your order

We’ll bring it out to your vehicle

11304 Manklin Creek Road, South Gate Ocean Pines (Manklin Creek & Ocean Parkway)

BREAKFAST SANDWICHES

Served on Bagel, Roll or Bread (White, Wheat or Rye

Croissant or a Wrap

Egg & Cheese ..................................… $5.55

Meat, Egg & Cheese …............................ $6.95

Your choice of Bacon, Sausage, Ham, Turkey Sausage,Ham, Taylor Ham or Morning Star Vegetarian Sausage

PLATTERS & OMELETS

Two Eggs Any Way with Meat ............. $5.95

Your choice of Bacon, Sausage, Ham, Turkey Sausage,Ham, Taylor Ham or Morning Star Vegetarian Sausage

Cheese Omelet .................................. $7.00

Veggie Omelet …................................... $7.50

(green peppers, onions, tomatoes, carrots, celery)

Western Omelet …................................ $8.00

(ham, cheddar, green pepper, red onions)

Quiche ................................................... $4.00

BAGELS WITH ...

Bagel with Butter ...….......................... $2.50

Bagel with Cream Cheese ….............. $3.95

Bagel with Cream Cheese and Jelly ..... $4.25

Bagel with Peanut Butter and Jelly ..... $5.25

Cinnamon Crunch Bagel

With Butter $3 With Cream Cheese $4.45

Bagel with Nova Cream Cheese ......…... $6.95

Bagel with Sliced Nova or Lox Salmon … $10.95

LUNCH SPECIALTIES

Homemade Soup Small ........................ $3.25

Chicken Pot Pie ...................................… $5.49

Pizza Bagel ~ Plain $5.75 - Pepperoni $6.50

Bagel Dog ............................................. $5.25

410-208-0707

Lunch Sandwiches

Served on Bagel, Roll, Sliced Bread, Croissant or a Wrap Includes a Side of Macaroni Salad

Ham …………............................….……. $9.45

Turkey ………...................................….. $9.45

Roast Beef …..................................…… $10.45

Cappicola …….................................….. $9.45

Genoa Salami …................................… $9.45

Italian Combo …...........................…… $10.45

(Roast Beef, Cappicola, Salami and Provolone)

Roast Beef & Turkey Combo ..............….. $10.45

Liverwurst …...............................……… $7.95

Bologna ................................................. $7.95

Chicken Salad ........................................ $9.95

Egg Salad ….............................………… $8.95

Tuna Salad ………..........................…... $10.25

Whitefish Salad ….................………… $10.25

Grilled Cheese ……........................……. $7.25

Add to any sandwich Cheese $1 • Avacado $.50

FRESH PASTRIES

Scone (blueberry, cranberry or raisin) ..$3.55

Lemon/Pecan Bar …….....................…… $2.55

Muffin …….........................……………. $3.55

Brownie ….................................……….. $2.55

Crumb Cake ............................................$3.55

Turnover ………..........................……… $3.55

Croissant Pastry/Danish ……….............. $3.55

Cinnamon Bun ..........................…. $3.55

Éclair ………..................................... $3.95

Big PB Cup/Chocolate Chip Cookie ...... $2.50

Banana Bread ....................................... $3.25

Black and White Cookie (seasonal) ............ $3.65

Mrs. Peggy’s Sugar Cookies Small $2 Large $3

Two-pack Cookies ......................... $2.35

Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, Double Chocolate, Sugar, M&M

Cheesecake ~ Small $2 Large $3.50

Plain, Cherry, Blueberry

Linzer Tart ~ Small $2 Large $2.50

Irish Soda Bread .. Slice $2.00 Loaf $6.50

Dog Biscuits .................................. $2.50

FRESH BAKED BAGLES

Plain • Cinnamon Raisin • Sesame

Onion • French Toast • Garlic

Honey Wheat • Asiago •

Everything Everything Wheat • Rye

Marble • Egg • Pumpernickel

Poppy • Berry

Sundried Tomato • Cinnamon Crunch

1 Flagel (weekends only) .............. $1.40

Bagel ………..............................…. $1.40

Half Dozen Bagels …..........……… $8.00

Dozen Bagels …............….......… $14.50

Cinnamon Crunch Bagel ….....….. $1.90

N.Y. Kaiser Roll ……............….. 75 cents

Portuguese Roll ……........…….. 75 cents

Knot Roll ................................... 75 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 1 lb. …......… $6.40

Flavored Cream Cheese 1 lb. ...... $7.90

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)

She said the committee wants to “work as a team supporting the best interests of the racquet center from the point of view of individuals committed to the center as reflected in their ownership of membership in one or more of the sports and their commitment to the racquet center’s success without regard to their membership in any individual sport.”

She said historically the committee stepped in and offered recommendations and interfaced directly with staff.

That operations environment changed when the OPA hired a racquet sports professional and the committee no longer needs to fulfill that role, she said.

The resolution will change the committee’s role from that of monitoring operations to one of advising the Board on any specific problems or concerns related to the condition, care, and maintenance of the racquet sports facilities.

Under the new resolution, advocacy for a specific’s sport’s interests and needs will come to the committee from representatives from the boards of the three sports, tennis, platform tennis and pickleball.

The committee, in turn, will advocate for recommendations to the OPA Board of Directors that support the success of the racquet center as a whole.

The revised resolution specifies that the committee should have no fewer than three members nor more than nine.

At all times, the members of the committee appointed by the Board of Directors should represent an equal balance from the three primary racquet sports of tennis, platform tennis, and pickleball.

Prince

Cnty Md

Social Security

When should you start receiving Social Security?

Think carefully about when to start receiving your benefits. You could be reducing your benefits by 39%.

Accessible kayak launch coming to Pintail Park