June 2016 ocean pines progress by Ocean Pines Progress

June 2016 Terry, Jacobs outline plans to expedite CPI enforcement Two members of the Board of Directors have taken on the task of revising the Ocean Pines Association’s policy for handling violations of the restrictive covenants and the guidelines that flow from them and are drafting a proposal to expedite the process of dealing with homeowners who don’t maintain their properties. In addition to investigating options for shortening the overall process, Directors Tom Terry and Cheryl Jacobs are hoping to find a way to streamline actions against repeat offenders and properties that are in foreclosure. ~ Page 9

Board in deadlock over proposed food truck purchase General Manager Bob Thompson’s proposed $55,000 food truck made it into the 2016-17 Ocean Pines Association capital budget, but its approval on a 4-3 Board of Directors’ vote did not mean for certain that it would be up and running this summer as Thompson had hoped. Memorial Day weekend came and went without an operational food truck. Thompson had hoped for an affirmative board decision at the directors’ regular monthly meeting May 26, but that didn’t happen either. ~ Page 15

Former director finds OPA non-compliance in late fee charges If you’re one of roughly 400 or 500 Ocean Pines lot owners seriously delinquent in your annual lot assessments, facing legal action by the Ocean Pines Association aimed at collecting those arrearages, there may be some modest help available to you to avoid some if not all of the extra charges that the OPA tacks on to the actual delinquent assessments. The help could even extend to property owners just a little late on paying the OPA. ~ Page 30

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Board of Directors’ candidate slate swells to 12, including four members of advisory committees, one incumbent Trendic feuds with Election Committee chair over candidate statements, yard signs; former budget committee chair says he won’t vote for successor By TOM STAUSS Publisher welve Ocean Pines property owners have filed as candidates in this summer’s race for three seats on the Board of Directors. The candidate slate is the largest ever to compete for a three-year term on the Ocean Pines Association seven-member policy-making panel. One incumbent director, Jack Collins, has filed for re-election. As accomplishments over the past three years, he cites his efforts on behalf of renovating the Beach Club restroom/lockerooms, replacing golf course management, and improving drainage throughout Ocean Pines. Looking ahead, he wants to end board infighting, a more cooperative relationship with the general manager, and continuation of conservative budgets with a lid on assessment increases. He is also calling for the establishment of a beautification committee to improve Ocean Pines’ overall appearance. The announced slate includes one well-known candidate from last summer, Slobodan Trendic, who is seeking a rematch after placing a close third in last summer’s balloting with 1,179 votes. Already he is making waves, using the public comments segment of the May 25 to urge the board to replace, rather than

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repair, the Clubhouse Drive and Ocean Parkway bridges, citing what he calls their “functional obsolescence.” [See article on Page 25 for details.} He also has been contending with the chairman of the OPA Election Committee over what Trendic regards as high-handedness in the chairman’s actions thus far in overseeing the election campaign. Trendic received notice that

Slobodan Trendic Ray Unger

his yard signs, that he began posting on June 1, violated community rules. Chairman Bill Wentworth said the signs couldn’t be displayed until after the candidates draw for ballot position June 9. Trendic cited the committee’s own published rules that say signs can be displayed beginning June 1. He also said that Wentworth had atTo Page 31

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Yacht Club bay shuttle to OC quickly nixed

lmost as quickly as it appeared as a promotion on the Internet, a planned bay shuttle from the Ocean Pines Yacht Club across the bay to Seacrets restaurant and night club in Ocean City was nixed by the Ocean Pines Association, once it dawned on the powers that be that taking customers away from the Yacht Club to a lively and popular venue bayside in Ocean City might not be a great idea. The venture reportedly was conceived by a friend of the Yacht Club manager. The budding entrepreneur had secured a boat slip at the Yacht Club marina, according to sources, and had begun promoting the business on-line, when the venture came to the attention of the OPA Board of Directors, via email from Ocean Pines Forum owner and host Joe Reynolds. Shortly thereafter, the plug was pulled. The shuttle venture was mentioned briefly during the board’s May 25 monthly meeting in the past tense.

revision of the Ocean Pines Association’s conservative investment policy, OPA Director Dave Stevens recently called for a more aggressive effort to reap better returns on the certificates of deposits and CDARS (certificates of Deposit Account Registry Service) that constitute the bulk of the OPA’s $5 million-plus investment portfolio. The Board of Directors at its March 25 monthly meeting approved on a second reading a revised F-01 investment policy for the OPA. The policy retains preservation of capital as the OPA’s primary investment goal. Stevens recently said the new resolution allows for more aggressive investing in CDARs by the OPA. OPA Treasurer and Stevens board colleague Tom Terry apparently agrees. In comments delivered during the board’s May 25 meeting, Terry said the OPA will be implementing a laddering strategy with CDARs in a way that could double the OPA’s annual investment revenue “while retaining safety  A HEATING AIR CONDITIONING P PLUMBING and security.” Implementation of the OPA has new strategy strategy could begin in July, with full

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From Page 3 implementation by year’s end. Stevens told Terry that he “applauded” Terry for “what you’re doing.” That’s a definite change in tone from other recent comments by Stevens. He said that the OPA’s actual return on CDs and CDARs that comprise the bulk of the OPA’s investment is a miniscule fraction under 1 percent. He told the Progress that if the OPA treasurer and general manager actually worked at the laddering strategy specified in the new F-1 resolution the association would be able to garner another $40,000 or $50,000 per year in interest income. Why hasn’t laddering been employed to date? “They won’t do it unless they’re forced to,” Stevens said. “They won’t because they’re lazy,” a charge that he acknowledged would be “controversial.” Stevens said obtaining better yields is little more than “optimizing within the safest instruments. All it takes is a little work.” Terry apparently got the message.

Mediacom to host June town meeting

Ocean Pines will host a town hall meeting with Mediacom representatives on Thursday, June 16 at 6 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center. Members of the Mediacom team will be on hand to respond to questions and concerns from Ocean Pines subscribers. The town meeting is an annual affair, and has on occasion turned into an Ocean Pines Whiner convention. Residents are encouraged to submit questions in advance in order for Mediacom to provide more detailed responses. Questions will also be taken from the floor at the event. Questions and comments may be submitted by email to info@oceanpines. org, in person at the Ocean Pines Administration Building at 239 Ocean Parkway or mailed to Ocean Pines Marketing Department, 239 Ocean Pkwy., Ocean Pines, MD 21811. In advance of the town hall meeting, Mediacom will present a free screening of the Hallmark Channel original movie “Stranded in Paradise” on Tuesday, June 14 at 8 p.m. in White Horse Park in Ocean Pines. Free popcorn, drinks and prizes will also be offered.

‘Paws and Whiskers’ annual fundraiser

The Ocean Pines Farmers Market will host its annual “Paws and Whiskers” fundraiser to benefit Town Cats of Ocean City on Saturday, June 18, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. in White Horse Park. The event, in conjunction with the weekly market, will offer a variety of activities for pets and their owners including demonstrations, clinics, pet services and giveaways. It will also feature vendors offering pet products.

4 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

OCEAN PINES

June 2016 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

Thompson details progress on OPA asset repairs

Solutions to ‘water, water everywhere’ surface; Country Club focus of staff attention raised the level of the asphalt adjacent to the building above the level of the siding. That also allowed stormwater to run off the pavement, under the siding and into the building. All of those issues have now been addressed. “It would appear we no longer have any leaks coming into the building,” Thompson said, adding, “So we’re going to work on the next steps” of planning for the future of the facility. Director Tom Herrick asked about budgeted improvements for the Tern’s Grille at the Country Club. He said funds were allocated by the board in the 2016-17 budget for some minor improvements and the addition of outside seating. “Is there any plans to do that for this season?” he asked. Thompson responded in the affirmative. “There will be for this season yes. We just haven’t done it yet,” he said. Repairs are also being made to two other OPA facilities that suffered water damage, the Community Center and the Beach Club.

At the Community Center drainage improvements were made to channel stormwater away from the double doors at the rear of the building. “If you walk the back area, you’ll see the water actually run from the back right this way into the building,” Thompson said. He said that had been a prime spot for intrusion but a multi-tiered ap-

OCEAN PINES BRIEFS From Page 4 Demonstrations will include agility and dog dancing by the Salisbury Kennel Club at 11 a.m. and the Worcester County Sheriff ’s Office K9 Unit at 1 p.m. Additionally, Pet Tech instructor Kerrie Jones of Wags to Riches Too mobile pet grooming will present free clinics on canine CPR at 9:30 a.m. and canine choking prevention at 11:30 a.m. Wags to Riches Too will also be on site with a pet nail trimming station and Beach Paws Pet Photography will have a pet photography booth. Proceeds will

proach to remedying the situation has been implemented. A French drain near the rear of the building, a rubber membrane18 inches above grade and a catch basin were all installed. Additionally, a pipe running from the building was tied into the Ocean Parkway drainage ditch to improve flow and the pipe size was increased from a 15-inch diameter to 18inch diameter. The final step is to install a retaining wall three feet from the Communi-

By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer ith a new Yacht Club in place for two years now and improvements to the Beach Club forthcoming this fall, the Ocean Pines Association is turning its attention to refurbishing yet another amenity, the long-neglected Country Club. Bob Thompson, during his May 26 general manager’s report, told the Board of Directors that staff is beginning to assess the condition of the Country Club. He said he has pulled out previous engineering studies of the structure and other materials related to its condition and use and is starting to evaluate those documents. The board approved funding in the OPA’s fiscal year 2017 budget for a study of the Country Club, its condition and potential future uses. Thompson said the OPA’s first priority was to address significant water intrusion that had occurred at the amenity in recent years. He said the side of the building facing the cart barn suffered 03 Blind Factory-Ad 5/31/2016 2:12 Page 1of significant water damage asPM a result missing and improperly installed flashing under the siding. Additionally, Thompson said repeated repaving around the Country Club

benefit Town Cats. The first 100 pets and owners to arrive at the market will receive goody bags with items from Pet Threads and the Ocean City Animal Hospital. Town Cats will hold a quilt auction and raffle. Other featured vendors and organizations include Best Friends Collars, Paws and Claws, Aunt Meggie’s Pet Sitting, Those Clever Canines and the Worcester County Humane Society. The Ocean Pines Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. year-round in White Horse Park, located at 239 Ocean Parkway in Ocean Pines.

6 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Asset repairs

OCEAN PINES

June 2016

Democratic women

From Page 5 ty Center building to help redirect the stormwater “so it’s not running right at the building,” Thompson said. Since the other improvements were made there has been no stormwater intrusion, he said. Meanwhile work is under way at the Beach Club to repair damage to the roof and flooring on the second story. The facility was damaged during a winter storm several months ago. Thompson said the work would not have an impact on Memorial Day weekend opening of the Beach Club as no events were scheduled on the upper floor. Another drainage project on St. Martin’s Lane has just wrapped up. The OPA opted to undertake a major effort to correct drainage problems on St. Martin’s Lane and retained the firm of Terra Firma of Delmarva at a cost of more than $35,000 to do the work. The project was originally designed to replace the existing 15-inch diameter drainage pipes that cross St. Martins Lane with a larger 24-inch diameter pipe. However, the design had to be modified once work began. “The piping hid a lot more utilities under that roadway than we anticipated there would be,” Thompson said. That necessitated a reduction in the size of the new piping from 24 inches to just 18 inches.

The Democratic Women’s Club meeting on May 16 featured Dr. Diana Wagner, assistant dean for assessment and accreditation at Salisbury University. She gave a talk about the Holocaust, backed by filmed interviews of Holocaust survivors. The next Democratic Women’s Club (DWC) general meeting is June 20th at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Riddle Farms, Berlin. Ticket price is $25; contact Vicky Wallace, 410-208-2969 for ticket information. Speaker will be Dr. Brent Zaprowski talking on “Changing Water Levels.” Shown from left: Women’s Club Vice President Vicky Wallace, Dr. Wagner, and Club President Em Hench.

Plans for the construction of new bathrooms in White Horse Park are on track as well, with a final contract with Beach Construction in the drafting stages. Once the contract is completed, Thompson said the OPA can apply for permits for the structure, which will be located on the pavilion side of the park near the mail cluster boxes. The new bathrooms will replace those that are part of the Craft Club Building in the center of the White Horse Park parking lot and will include storage on the backside.

Director Jack Collins questioned the funding for the project, saying nothing was in included in the FY17 budget for the bathrooms. He also wanted to know the final price tag for the new structure. Thompson responded that the funding was carried over from the 2015-16 budget since the project was approved last year. He said he does not have a final contract price for the work yet but it will be between $98,000 to $105,000 for the entire project, dependent on water and wastewater improvements. That is well under the budgeted amount of more

than $140,000. The OPA is also wrapping up final details on a $377,417 contract for extensive repairs to the Clubhouse Drive bridge near the Country Club. The OPA awarded the contract to the firm Murtech Inc.. The repair work is limited to the superstructure, or those above ground, to save time and money. The repairs are expected to extend the life of the Clubhouse Drive bridge and improve its bridge sustainment ratio, which is the measure by which a bridge qualifies to To Page 8

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Public Works’ bulk pickup extends to second day Next year’s event might include some restrictions on the amount of household trash left out on the street , general manager says By TOM STAUSS Publisher eneral Manager Bob Thompson’s latest idea to make life easier for residents of Ocean Pines was an experimental day of curbside pick-up of used furniture, waste lumber, plastic chairs, electronics (computers, boom boxes and similar items), plumbing fixtures, and even larger appliances that had been scheduled for Saturday, May 21, beginning at 6 a.m. It began more or less on time on the day it was supposed to, but the best-laid plan to complete it all in one day fell by the wayside early on, when it became clear that some bulk pick-ups were taking a lot longer than originally anticipated. And perhaps not too surprisingly, residents who had been told repeatedly – had they bothered to read the local media or visit the OPA Web site for a re-

minder – to put all their bulk items out for collection no later than 6 a.m. didn’t exactly do what was asked. Some did, but as Thompson more or less predicted when he unveiled the idea at the Board of Directors’ April 27 monthly meeting, quite a few did not. Some even tried putting their items out on the street on the afternoon of the 21st, when they noticed or heard that their neighbors had done so earlier in the day. Rather than panic or allow a disaster to unfold on the streets of Ocean Pines, Thompson and Public Works Director Eddie Wells did the only thing they could have. Crews, including Thompson himself, decided to extend the pick-up to the next day, Sunday, when it was obvious at the end of the day Saturday that many items remained on the street. During the board’s May 26, when he summarized lessons learned from the

Asset repairs

getting what they want. Thompson reported that this year’s restriping project will begin by mid-June. He said the project was set to begin sooner but was delayed because of inclement weather. The first area slated for restriping is the Parke (Section 16). Numerous vocal residents of that section berated the OPA board and general manager in December for failing to respond to -- or even acknowledge -- their requests for line painting in The Parke. Last month the board awarded a contract for $24,570 to the firm of Straight Line Striping, for road striping in Ocean Pines. The contractor will re-line 189,000 linear feet of roadways, including Ocean Parkway, Cathell Road Extended, Yacht Club Drive and streets within the Parke.

From Page 6 participate in state and federal replacement programs. Repairs to the Ocean Parkway bridge will be made in the fall. Before executing a final contract, however, Thompson said he is trying to ensure that nothing was missed. He said there were some comments made to him about concrete falling off the bridge onto boats underneath it. As a result he said he decided to seek input from a community member who has extensive experience working with concrete to complete a final evaluation of the plans. Community members who have pleaded with the OPA for months to repaint the fading striping along the edges of many Ocean Pines roads are finally

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From Page 8 event, Thompson said that next year, assuming that bulk pick-up day is again scheduled, some sort of limitation will be place on the number or size of the items allowed on the street. He didn’t say whether he believed any kind of restriction would actually be honored by residents. When he announced the bulk pick-up day during the board’s April 27 meeting, Thompson told the directors that the idea was designed simply to help residents get rid of unwanted items that they might otherwise have to pay someone to discard. He said the idea might not work but he and the Public Works Department wanted to give it a try. According to Thompson, the two days of bulk pick-up was an unqualified success, appreciated by residents who participated. Initially, the plan was for Public Works crews to drive down streets only once, with a declaration that at any items put out for disposal after the trucks drive by would not be picked up, and calls to the Public Works Depart-

June 2016 Ocean Pines PROGRESS ment for a return visit would not be honored. As it turned out, crews in many cases did drive down a particular street more than once, especially when pick-ups at a certain location loaded up a truck to a degree that a return trip to the neighborhood was unavoidable. Regular household garbage and yard waste was not part of the May 21 bulk collection. Yard debris pick-up continues in Ocean Pines as part of regular twice-weekly trash pick-up. Republic Services customers are reminded that they may place up to four bags of leaves or yard debris curbside for each scheduled pickup. This is in addition to regular trash pickup. Trash collection days for residents south of Route 90 are Tuesday and Friday. For residents north of Route 90, the collection days are Monday and Thursday. Republic will also pick up branches if they are tied in bundles no longer than 4 feet and weighing no more than 50 pounds. Ocean Pines residents interested in enrolling with Republic Services should call 410-749-1551.

Terry, Jacobs outline plans to expedite CPI enforcement Foreclosed properties, repeat offenders at top of list of possible revisions By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer wo members of the Board of Directors have taken on the task of revising the Ocean Pines Association’s policy for handling violations of the restrictive covenants and the guidelines that flow from them and are drafting a proposal to expedite the process of dealing with homeowners who don’t maintain their properties. In addition to investigating options for shortening the overall process, Directors Tom Terry and Cheryl Jacobs are hoping to find a way to streamline actions against repeat offenders and properties that are in foreclosure. Terry, during a May 26 board meeting, updated the board on the project. He and Jacobs are looking at the Compliance, Permits and Inspections pro-

cess and the length of time it takes for violations on properties in the community to be addressed. Terry said there are many steps that comprise the existing process as outlined in board policy resolution M-01. A lengthy inspection and notification effort by CPI must take place before a violation is ever brought to the attention of the board for legal action. “We give our members many opportunities to resolve an issue before it gets to us. That can take months for it to get to us in the first place. And possibly years,” Terry said. While the process is designed to protect the rights of the property owners, it also allows an owner the opportunity to have the same violation over and over. Each time a violation appears on a prop-

Had enough of the current OP Board’s nonsense?

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bulk pickup day

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

June 2016

From Page 9 erty, whether it is a repeat of a previous problem or a new one, the member is afforded the full breadth of opportunities to rectify the situation again. Inspectors have to evaluate the property, letters are sent to the owner, and if no action is taken to resolve the matter, eventually it finds its way to the board for legal action. Under the current policy, Terry said property owners can keep the process going continuously. Even once a violation reaches board for review, he said there are multiple steps that must be taken, including sending a letter to the property owner from the board, forwarding the noncompliance issue to legal counsel who then sends another letter, and ultimately legal proceedings. In some cases, that requires multiple reviews by the board. Terry said the issue is not one of the OPA being negligent in its duties of pursuing property owners who violate the declaration of restrictions. CPI inspectors are actively doing so. However, the existing policy clearly outlines a lengthy process that must be followed so that property owners have every possible opportunity to remedy violations on their lots. “The OPA team can only implement the rules that exist and follow processes that exist,” Terry said. “The board’s obligation is to address the policy that establishes those processes.” He suggested establishing a process that still allows a member time to respond to notice of a violation on their property but shortens the length of time they have to address the problem. Terry said Jacobs, an attorney, has also been investigating the way the OPA responds to violations of properties that are in foreclosure and are owned by a bank. In those instances, a member is no longer involved. The OPA does not need to protect the rights of a financial institution and could, therefore, take more swift action to have violations addressed on foreclosed properties. The duo has also been studying the problem of repeat offenders, those who

violate the restrictive covenants, at the last minute fix the problem, and then violate again. Terry said they are drafting a proposal that would allow the OPA to skip several steps in the violation notification process if an address has had previous infractions. Currently the full process can take more than six months from the first notification to the property owner of a violation to the time it reaches legal counsel. “It does allow way too many opportunities,” Terry said, adding that a member is either going to fix the problem or not. Terry said it can be 90 days before a problem is even brought before the board for review. He said that is not because CPI staff isn’t doing their job, but rather simply because they are following required policy and procedures. Director Jack Collins asked why the process is so lengthy and restrictive. Terry said he wasn’t on the board at the time that the policy resolution was drafted and doesn’t know what drove it. However, he said he believes it was an attempt to give members as many opportunities as possibly to respond, comply and fix violations. In doing that, “the implementation of it has led to people playing system,” he said. The board does have the authority to “fast track” prosecution of violations if it feels there is a need, such as a safety concern. But Terry said the “reality is it takes too long to even get to the board to use fast track.” Director Dave Stevens said the issue is not only one of process but that the time between steps is taking too long. Collins said some residents are concerned about CPI’s perceived lack of prosecution for unkempt properties, particularly those with a lot of leaves. He said inspectors are telling residents that they can’t do anything because property owners are allowed to maintain their lots in a natural setting. Terry concurred that there are some issues that to the eye of some residents shouldn’t be allowed on a property, including the accumulation of an abundance of leaves. “That’s DRs. That’s a big effort to change those things,” he said. OPA General Manager Bob Thomp-

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Directors remove chairman of comp plan committee

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By TOM STAUSS Publisher he Ocean Pines Association directors in closed session in early May met to discuss sluggish progress in developing a new comprehensive plan for Ocean Pines, and decided on some changes in the personalities involved in helping to develop a survey of property owners designed to assist in the development of the plan. Details of the personnel changes emerged in the weeks after. Perhaps the most significant change, announced by OPA Director Tom Terry at the board’s regular monthly May 26, is that the directors had agreed to ask the chairman of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, Steve Cohen, to step down, giving him the option of remaining on the committee. Cohen opted to continue as a committee member. OPA President Pat Renaud, with board concurrence, appointed committee member Frank Daly as chairman. Daly is a candidate for the board in this summer’s OPA election. Another development, which Terry confirmed in a brief conversation fol-

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CPI enforcement From Page 10 son concurred that “the guidelines allow for natural settings within our community.” Collins said the accumulation of leaves is not just unsightly but can exacerbate drainage problems in Ocean Pines. “I can’t require folks to rake their yards. It’s not part of our guidelines,” Thompson said. He added that certain sections of the community, such as the Parke, do have yard maintenance requirements that are handled by the sub-association. “These guys can only implement the rules that have been put in place,” Terry reiterated of CPI inspectors. During the meeting, Thompson presented one CPI compliance issue for action by the board. He said the property at 152 Teal Circle has two boat trailers but is only allowed to have one. The board found the property is continuing violation of the restrictions and agreed to send the matter to legal counsel. Collins queried Thompson about violations at a property on Harbor Mist Circle that were brought before the board by property owners in April. “We are following the current CPI process for corrective action on those properties,” Thompson responded. He said CPI inspectors have visited the property and are taking the appropriate actions.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

June 2016

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Comp plan committee From Page 11 tee, chaired by Daly, Renaud said he and colleague Cheryl Jacobs went to Salisbury to meet with Diriker, who told the two Ocean Pines directors that he thought he and BEACON had gone “as far as they could” in helping the committee and that he recommended terminating the consulting contract. Both sides promised not to say anything bad about the other, Renaud said, telling the committee that Diriker had been miffed because of criticism he had heard about his absence from a recent committee meeting. As it turned out, word that he was unable make theRd. meeting had not 11029toRacetrack reached the former committee chairman inBerlin, time. MD 21811 Diriker and his BEACON colleagues had been involved with the committee in trying to develop questions for a community-wide survey of Ocean Pines property owners and residents, but that process has gotten bogged down of late. The board is supposed to have final say on which questions are presented to the community, but there is no consensus so far among the directors on those questions. “The survey is on hold,” OPA President Pat Renaud told the Progress in an early May interview, “but not dead.” Renaud told the committee that five of the seven directors had been so incensed about the sluggish progress in developing a survey that they were ready to disband the committee. That would would have killed the survey and the work the panel has done thus far in updating the comprehensive plan. “I wasn’t for that,” he told the committee, some of whose members seemed somewhat offended that so many directors had been ready to disband the committee. Renaud said he and Jacobs convinced their colleagues on the board that the committee under a new chairman should be given an opportunity to produce a tangible product, starting with a list of survey questions that the directors can

consider and then approve. The directors want a completed survey to help them as they consider updates and changes to a draft capital improvement plan that was given to them last November by General Manager Bob Thompson. So far, the board has not even met to discuss Thompson’s draft CIP. Regarding the survey, Renaud said of the 60 proposed questions that had been developed from a BEACON-driven process involving focus groups, he only found three that he thought were sufficiently forwarded looking, deserving inclusion in the questionnaire. PRSRT He told the committee that the quesUSPOS tions should be redrafted with an aim of asking property owners and possibly PAID renters what they envision for Ocean Pines, rather than asking themMAILMO questions about current attitudes and experiences. Daly and the committee agreed to a new timetable for producing a “package” to be presented to the board, with revised questions and a recommendation on how the survey should be presented to OPA residents and property owners before the board’s July meeting. Committee members are juggling vacations and other scheduling difficulties to meet that deadline, but Daly said he believes it’s realistic. Committee members have said that some sort of on-line poll is desirable because it would reduce inputting labor from paper surveys and make tabulation of results much easier. At the same time, they are aware that if the survey is done only electronically, participation will be reduced. Not everyone in the Internet Age has access. The compromise solution will probably be some combination of both. Perhaps the most noticeable effect of BEACON’S departure is that help that Diriiker and his staff of students would have provided in gathering data and tabulating results will not be available. Daly’s new role as chairman of the committee was signaled when he was seen meeting privately with the directors at the beginning of their closed session May 2.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

June 2016 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

Collins critical of timeline for Beach Club bathrooms Calls out Thompson for lagging behind schedule general manager had provided for fall/winter project

sign-build proposals from contractors. That could be renovation of the existing below grade bathrooms or construction of a separate bathhouse above ground. Collins and at least two other directors, Dave Stevens and Tom Herrick, have made it clear that they prefer a renovation of the existing bathrooms over a separate building. Thompson has said he wants to explore the new building option, despite the fact that, according to Collins, it could easily double the cost of the project. Collins seemed to be concerned that, with the pending OPA election and a new board taking office in August, new directors might need to take some time to be educated on the project before voting on it, delaying it beyond the fall-winter timeframe that Collins has been pushing for some time. He told Thompson that the current board should be the one to approve the project. Thompson said he had met and re-

By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer he Ocean Pines Association is preparing to release a request for proposals for renovation or reconstruction of the bathrooms at the Beach Club in Ocean City, but one member of the board of directors is irked that the project is progressing so slowly. During a May 26 meeting OPA General Manager Bob Thompson reported to the board that he expects to post an RFP for the Beach Club project by the second week of June. Thompson said the project is still on track for a fall and winter construction period despite some delays in posting the RFP. The board included $525,000 in the fiscal year 2017 budget for engineering and construction of a renovated or new above-ground bathhouse. Directors unanimously approved moving forward with the project and hope to get the facility under construction this fall and have it ready for use by members in the summer of 2017. The RFP will solicit de-

14 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

June 2016

Beach Club From Page 13 ceived input on the project from an OPA member who is an architect and has been very involved with other projects in the community. He said that input was used to help craft the RFP. Collins questioned Thompson’s timeline for the project and pointed out that the general manger had originally provided the board with a schedule that indicated an RFP would be released publicly in April with proposals due back to the OPA by mid-June. Since posting of the RFP has been delayed, Collins wanted to know about an updated project timeline. “I don’t have an updated timeline,” Thompson said. Collins responded “I want an updated timeline.” “I did not do one,” Thompson said. Collins wanted to know why not. Thompson started to respond that he didn’t provide an updated timeline because there was no reason to prepare it. Collins cut him off saying there is a reason to have a new timeline. “Do you want me to answer or not?” Thompson then said “There is a reason to prepare it, Bob, because you gave us the original timeline on this project.” Collins said. He had submitted a motion that contained his own version of a timeline for the

Beach Club bathrooms several months ago, but withdrew it after seeing that Thompson’s timeline was similar. Now, however, the project is 65 to 75 days behind schedule already. “This board deserves a timeline as to when this project is going to go through its various stages,” Collins said. “I’ll be happy to have one for you at the next meeting,” Thompson said. Collins wanted to know why the board couldn’t receive the update before the next meeting in June. “I’ll be happy to do it in the interim,” Thompson replied. He added that the Beach Club bathroom project is still on a fall-winter timeline for completion, even with the delay in releasing the RFP. He said there were other projects slated for completion this spring and summer that took priority over the Beach Club since it will not be scheduled until later this year. Now, he said, staff is starting to focus on fall and winter projects. Collins said he is concerned about the impact this summer’s OPA board election could have on implementation of the Beach Club project. He said there is the possibility that new individuals will be elected to the board who may not be up to speed on the project. He said it is imperative for a new timeline to be released so some of these newcomers “can familiarize themselves with this particular project.” Director Tom Terry, who was chairing

the meeting, tried to cut the discussion short, telling Collins “point taken.” He said that the board would like to see a revised timeline so it can take a final vote to proceed with the work at its July meeting. “If the board directs me to do it anything is doable. But I didn’t realize it was a political project,” Thompson said. “It is not a political project,” Collins shot back at Thompson, who said “whaoa, whoa.” “Don’t put words in my mouth,” Collins told the general manager. “I’m not,” Thompson said. Terry called out Collins for cutting off Thompson as he tried to speak. “We’re not going to go through this ‘interrupt Bob so he can’t answer the question’ move,” he said. “Let him speak.” Thompson carefully chose his words. “I was unaware that this was a sensitivity to the election until just now. This was an approved project that the board approved to move forward with and it’s a fall winter project,” he said He said work usually begins on fall-winter projects after the May rush. “I apologize if I missed the intensity of when you wanted this,” he said, adding that the project can be accelerated if the board would like it to be. “I don’t see it as an acceleration,” Collins said. He said the current board initiated the Beach Club bathroom project and therefore the responsibility falls to

the sitting board to move ahead or negate the project. Stevens said it is not unusual for a board to take into consideration an upcoming election when looking at project timelines. He said sometimes it is important that decisions not be pushed off to new boards that may not be familiar with the history of certain projects. Director Bill Cordwell said it is more important to do the job right than to get it done quickly. “This whole speech to me has been political,” he said of Collins and Stevens’ argument for ensuring that the project timeline allows the sitting board to award a contract by July. “This is a project that we know isn’t going to be open until next year,” he said, adding that there is no need to rush it. Still, Thompson acquiesced and said he would distribute an updated project timeline to the board within the next few weeks. “I didn’t realize it was such a hot issue. I really didn’t Jack,” he told Collins. Collins said it is not a hot issue but then contradicted himself and said it has been a “hot topic” with many of the members who elected him to the board. “All I want to do is to make something positive happen in this community as far as one of the most popular venues we have,” he said. Collins is a candidate for reelection this summer.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

June 2016 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 15

Board in 3-3 deadlock over whether to approve $53,000 purchase and retrofitting of a year 2000 Federal Express freight vehicle. Director Cheryl Jacobs, who supports it, was absent from the May meeting when it was considered. The issue could be revisited at a special meeting or regular meeting this month By TOM STAUSS Publisher eneral Manager Bob Thompson’s proposed $55,000 food truck made it into the 2016-17 Ocean Pines Association capital budget, but its approval on a 4-3 Board of Directors’ vote did not mean for certain that it would be up and running this summer as Thompson had hoped. Memorial Day weekend came and went without an operational food truck. Thompson had hoped for an affirmative board decision at the directors’ regular monthly meeting May 26, but that didn’t happen either. It didn’t look good for the truck when it was announced that one of the seven directors, Cheryl Jacobs, a staunch truck advocate, was not going to be able to make the meeting because of a family emergency. What that portended at best for truck enthusiasts was a 3-3 deadlock over the issue and at worst a vote of disapproval by a board majority. As it turned out, on a motion to approve a proposed $53,000 expenditure for the purchase and outfitting of a used 2000 Federal Express freight truck, only three directors were in favor, one short of a needed majority. Voting in favor of the truck was OPA President Pat Renaud, who previously had indicated he favored rental of a truck rather than an outright purchase, along with directors Tom Terry and Bill Cordwell. Against the food truck were directors Jack Collins, Dave Stevens and Tom Herrick. Had Jacobs been there, the vote would have been 4-3 in favor, but she wasn’t. Terry promptly said after the failed vote that Renaud, who was monitoring the meeting over Thompson’s cell phone, would be scheduling a meeting the following week in which Jacobs would be able to attend. Collins, who is running for reelection to the board this summer, told the Progress that Renaud had attempted to organize a special meeting for the week of May 30 but was struggling to find a day when all the directors could attend. He also said that Renaud alternatively wanted to schedule an electronic vote, but was having difficulty there, too. All it takes is for one director to object to an electronic vote to block it, forcing the directors to meet to consider the item in an open meeting. Collins said the better approach, assuming that the board majority wants to revisit the issue, would be to schedule a discussion and new vote at the board’s regularly scheduled meeting on June 25. How long it would take for the truck

to be outfitted and made available for use after board approval was not made clear during the May 25 board meeting. Thompson opened the discussion over the proposed food truck by re-

minding the board that it is designed to provide food service primarily to the Mumford’s pool during the lunch hours, in addition to special events such as concerts in the park, Fourth of July fireworks, the farmer’s market and the like, in addition

to supplementary food service at the Yacht Club later in the afternoon. Cordwell then offered a motion to accept the $53,000 bid from the Lucky’s Garage in Delmar, whose Web site indicates that it’s the trade name for Malone and Companies, Malone referring to Mack Malone, one of the company’s principals. Thompson explained that Lucky’s Garage specializes in repurposing used Federal Express vehicles into food trucks. In answer to a question from Herrick, Thompson said the vehicle dated to the year 2000 but that there was no mileage or maintenance information made available to the OPA about the vehicle. Thompson stood by previous esti-

RE-ELECT JACK COLLINS Ocean Pines Association, Board of Directors

“Working Together for a Better Ocean Pines” • What our members desire is a Board that can compromise and work harmoniously together for the welfare of all members. Not special interest groups. So do I. • The members want a cooperative and open relationship between the Board and the General Manager, working together to accomplish projects that benefit all of us. So do I. • What our members want are affordable and effective budgets that address the needs of our community. So do I. • What our members want is a community that is a well maintained and a respectable community that anyone would be proud to live in. So do I.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• developed and was able to pass a motion encouraging community input on the budget process via the Budget and Finance Committee working with the GM and the Board. • in every budget cycle, focused on necessary economies that would keep our assessments stable or reduced while voting against unnecessary expenditures. • focused the attention of the Board, the GM and the members on the drainage challenges in our community. Working with the GM, the county and community volunteers through a committee effort, we addressed and solved some of these problems. However, there is additional work to be done. • worked to improve the management of a major amenity that had cost the membership over a million dollars in a 4 yr. period. Our new management group is working toward improving the golf experience while bringing revenue and expenses into line. • sponsored a motion and worked toward the renovation of the Beach Club Bathhouse. This motion passed our Board with a 7-0 vote. Authority: Jack Collins Re-Election Committee

Food truck remains in limbo but four directors reportedly favor it for use this summer

16 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

June 2016

Change of Watch

On April 30, the Ocean City Power Squadron, a local unit of the United States Power Squadrons, held the Change of Watch at the Dunes Manor Hotel in Ocean City. The new officers were sworn in by D/5 representative, Past District Commander Jeff McKinney. Pictured in the above photo from left to right are: Cdr. Raymond Calandra, Lt/C William E Killinger, Lt/C Linda M Hess, Lt/C Bonita m Curro, 1st/LT David McAllister, Lt/C John Hess, Jeff McKinney

Food truck From Page 15 mates for a near-break-even operational cost for the vehicle, but Stevens pushed back against many of the estimates and assumptions. He said the competitive bids were actually prices taken off E-bay, and that the $53,000 estimates for buying and repurposing the truck weren’t substantiated. “I can’t imagine buying it,” Stevens said, after noting that revenue estimates provided by Thompson mistakenly listed 16 summer weekends when the truck could be operational, rather than the 15 weeks between Memorial and Labor Days. With May and much of June apparently unavailable for operations be-

cause the truck has not been formally approved by a board majority, it seems that less than ten weeks might be available for operation, making Thompson’s original revenue estimates even more problematic. When Collins asked Thompson whether he continued to support the food truck despite a lot of negative feeling in Ocean Pines against it, Thompson said he did. The 4-3 vote keeping the food truck in the capital budget occurred during the board’s final 2015-16 budget review meeting Feb. 19, with Renaud and directors, Terry, Cordwell and Jacobs in favor. Collins, Stevens and Herrick voted in opposition to including it. Those views did not waver in the weeks leading up to the May 25 vote.

Terry’s proposal to include the $55,000 capital item in the budget came with a caveat: Thompson would have to come back to the board with “additional information” about costs associated with the food truck, including items such as licensing, associated equipment costs, and depreciation, before the board would authorize Thompson to follow through with a purchase. Terry said he agreed with the impression that the vote approving the food truck came with an asterisk, acknowledging that its inclusion in the budget did not come with a presumption that the $55,000 would be spent. He acknowledged that every budgeted capital expenditure above the general manager’s approval threshold must come to the board for a vote, but

in the case of the food truck he said that Thompson would have a heavier burden to prove to a board majority that Ocean Pines will benefit from it and that Thompson’s cost estimates are realistic , Terry told the Progress. Thompson began the discussion of the proposed food truck at the Feb. 19 meeting by repeating earlier assertions that it would only increase the OPA lot assessment by $1 after operating profits are factored in. Since the purchase is considered new as opposed to replacement capital, it would be funded out of assessments rather than reserves. Stevens questioned the accuracy of the predicted $1 impact and said he was “dissatisfied” with Thompson’s supporting rationale for the food truck. Terry acknowledged that there has been a lot of opposition to the food truck in the community – the “public clearly wants it out,” he said – but he contended that critics have “totally misrepresented” Thompson’s proposal. There’s “a reasonably solid idea behind it,” Terry said, suggesting that it was not so much Thompson but Yacht Club manager Jerry Lewis who was “behind it” from the beginning. Terry said that in addition to offering supplemental food service to the outside deck and swimming pool at the Yacht Club, the food truck, according to plans, will also be parked at the nearby Mumford’s Landing pool during lunch hours. Additional venues for the food truck would include the weekend farmer’s market and concerts in the park.

FRANK DALY

Ocean Pines Board of Directors Candidate MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER 40-year career as senior level executive in engineering, operations, materials management, sales, marketing and general management in the aerospace, building products & interior construction industries AS A MEMBER OF YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MY PLEDGE TO YOU IS TO PROVIDE ... • STRONG BOARD OVERSIGHT, NOT MICROMANAGEMENT • LISTENING TO YOU AND IMPLEMENTING YOUR PRIORITIES AS HOMEOWNERS • COLLABORATION, NOT CONFRONTATION WITH THE BOARD & HOA MANAGEMENT • A COMMITMENT TO A STABLE, PREDICTABLE ASSESSMENT • WELL PLANNED VALUE ORIENTED CAPITAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS ASSURING YOU CLEAN, SAFE, AFFORDABLE & FUNCTIONAL FACILITIES • A PROFIT PLAN FOR AMENITIES • AGGRESSIVE BOARD ACTION TO PROTECT & ENHANCE HOMEOWNER VALUES

My goals as a member of YOUR Board of Directors are maintain and improve the lifestyle, affordability, homeowner value and public safety that we enjoy moving forward into the future and to restore YOUR confidence in the ability of the Board to govern the association with the highest professional standards. For more information on where I stand on the important issues please visit my candidate statement on the Ocean Pines Forum, https://www.oceanpinesforum.com Or contact me at FDaly73228@gmail.com

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Board approves pickleball proposal, urges GM to expedite platform tennis installation Thompson still pursuing the option of raised courts as a way of reducing stormwater management expense By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer fter years of discussions, planning, designing and redesigning the Manklin Meadows Recreation Complex in an effort to accommodate additional racquet sports courts, the Board of Directors has decided to simply dedicate two existing tennis courts for pickleball, but the fate of additional platform tennis courts is yet to be determined. In a unanimous 6-0 vote during a May 26 meeting, with one director absent and one voting via conference call, the board approved Director Tom Herrick’s proposal to restripe two largely unused tennis courts in Manklin Meadows and make them permanent pickleball courts. “Are we ready to do this?” Director Tom Terry, who chaired the meeting for house-bound OPA President Pat Renaud, asked his peers following another lengthy discussion of the issue. With directors nodding in affirmation, Terry made the motion to repurpose existing tennis courts numbers 11 and 12 as the new home for pickleball courts at a cost not to exceed $25,000. Director Bill Cordwell offered a second to the motion, which was approved by unanimous vote. General Manager Bob Thompson said converting the two tennis courts will create eight pickleball courts. They will be ready for play within 30 to 60 days depending on the availability of materials, including netting. Herrick then made a separate motion for the OPA staff to continue investigating its options relative to constructing two new platform tennis courts in Manklin Meadows and report back to the board at its June meeting as well.

Director Jack Collins provided a second for the motion, which also carried unanimously. Cordwell supported the motion but said it was unnecessary because Thompson is already working on it. He said it may be possible for staff to have more information on the availability of elevated platform tennis courts by the June meeting but wasn’t so sure that the cost of stormwater mitigation required to accommodate them would be ready. “I’ll do the best I can to meet whatever it is,” Thompson said of the board’s directive. It was his update during his monthly general manager’s report that prompted another protracted discussion on the planning and costs of new courts in Manklin Meadows. He presented the proposal and cost estimate of $22,600 for designating the two tennis courts for pickleball and sought board support to move forward, but stated that he was still gathering information relative to the platform tennis courts and potential associated stormwater management issues. Thompson said he is still looking into options to elevate platform courts that could reduce the impervious surface and help mitigate stormwater runoff. However, he said one company that manufactured the raised courts is no longer in business, so he is looking for others that offer refurbished paddleball courts. Director Dave Stevens said players have been waiting for new platform courts for some time. He wanted to know at what point the board can make a decision whether or not to build them. However, he acknowledged that the concept of raised courts is a relatively new idea. “What’s the next step on that?” he asked. Thompson responded that installed To Page 20

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Racquet sports From Page 18 elevated courts in lieu of an at-grade playing surface may or may not have an impact on stormwater management requirements. “That was a completely new angle to explore,” he said. He said resolving the pickleball issue was easy. But the “stormwater mitigation for the other side is a much bigger, much larger process.” That portion of the project includes stormwater management for a variety of components for the overall Manklin Meadows complex, including the proposed paddleball courts, prelocated layground and realigned parking. “All of that needs to be reconsidered now,” he said. Terry said the OPA’s Racquet Sports Advisory Committee still prefers the overall master plan to be implemented in Manklin Meadows, including new platform tennis and pickleball courts. However, the committee is willing to accept the redesignation of tennis courts for pickleball but it is not the preferred option, he said. Collins reiterated his statement that platform players were in the queue first and they are still waiting for their courts. “These people want results and they are willing to work with whatever solu-

tion is presented to them,” Collins said. Thompson reminded the board that the approved master plan only received one bid when a request for proposals was circulated and that came in at more than $750,000, largely because of the high cost of requirements for stormwater mitigation. At that time, he suggested breaking the large project into smaller phases in order to accomplish the work. Then Herrick came up with the idea of repurposing two of the existing tennis courts to address the need for pickleball courts and a RSAC member suggested looking into use of elevated paddleball courts. “So that’s where we ended up,” Thompson said. If the OPA does not have to reconfigure the parking lot and mitigate stormwater runoff from the raised paddleball courts, then the cost for that portion of the project will be significantly reduced, he said. Herrick wanted to know the cost for stormwater management for platform courts. Thompson responded that there is not a specific cost associated with just the platform courts. Rather, the stormwater management will address the needs of that entire side of the park, with the courts contributing to that. An earlier estimate for phase one of the master plan to accommodate stormwa-

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ter was $150,000. Herrick echoed Stevens comments about paddleball players waiting for years for new courts. “We’re worried about pickle but we’re not concentrating on the original project four years ago,” Herrick said. Thompson responded that he is trying to move the project forward but needs direction from the board. “Every time I bring it to you all it pivots. We could have had this done four years ago. Definitively. Go back and look at it. We’ve made changes each time. These changes have increased the cost. Just where it is. So I’m not delaying it. We’ve teed it up multiple times,” he said. He added that “This whole thing has grown into something much bigger, much uglier than it needed to be. So I don’t know what to do with it except keep bringing you the piece that you’re asking for.” Stevens concurred that the project has been in flux. It started out as a need to build two new paddleball courts and evolved into a $750,000 master plan that Thompson suggested breaking into phases. “Nobody has brought a proposal to this board to spend $750,000, nobody other than the committee,” Cordwell said. “That was dead on arrival on the general manager’s desk. He has never said, ‘I want to spend this kind of mon-

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ey.,” despite assertions to the contrary. Cordwell took issue with his fellow directors’ insistence on pushing forward with paddleball courts when the general manager isn’t ready to make a recommendation for that portion of the project. “He’s been trying. If he can find some raised (courts) that could possibly save us,” he said, adding, “he’s been working on it for four years and the board keeps shooting him in the foot.” Terry said the idea was to develop an overall masterplan so Manklin Meadows wasn’t redeveloped on a piecemeal basis. “The idea was to create an overall campus management plan, so that we would pre-determine where the various pieces were going to go,” he said. “When the lone bid came back much higher than expected, the general manager never even presented it to the board. Instead the board is now taking parts of that master plan and trying to implement them. Right now the original master plan that was approved by the board is not affordable so we’re trying to find a way around that,” he added. Until the general manager can determine if elevated paddleball courts are available and their impact on stormwater management for the Manklin Meadows recreation complex no one can estimate the cost of that portion of the project, Terry said.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

June 2016

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By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer he grass isn’t growing any greener but it may be growing longer while the Board of Directors debates whether or not to purchase three new mowers for use in manicuring the Ocean Pines Association’s golf course. General manager Bob Thompson presented a request for two capital purchases for equipment for golf maintenance, three mowers and a sprayer, during a May 26 board meeting. Both requests ended in a deadlocked 3-3 vote of the board, with Directors Tom Terry, Bill Cordwell and Pat Renaud in support, Directors Jack Collins, Dave Stevens and Tom Herrick opposed and Director Cheryl Jacobs absent. The board is expected to take up discussion of the purchases, which were included in the fiscal year 2017 budget, at a June special meeting when all seven members are

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present. If Renaud, the OPA president, is unable to cobble together enough directors to hold a special meeting before then, the decision could be pushed off until the board’s next regularly scheduled meeting set for Saturday, June 25. But that could be a problem, because Renaud isn’t available on the 25th, informing members of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee at a June 1 meeting that will be in New York City for the debut of a Broadway show directed by his son. He’s trying to reschedule the meeting for June 23. Based on the recommendation of the course superintendent, Thompson recommended purchasing three 80-inchcut Toro fairway mowers from Turf Equipment Supply at a cost of $44,633 each and the fairway spray at $68,224. While the sprayer was over the budget of $60,000, the mowers were under the

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

June 2016

Golf course purchases From Page 22 budgeted amount by $160,000, for a net savings to budget. He said the OPA will receive a significant discount for purchasing all of the equipment from the same company. Director Bill Cordwell offered a motion to accept the bid and purchase the equipment. “They were asked for by the superintendent who is taking care of our course,” he said. However, Director Tom Herrick said the mowers were not recommended by Landscapes Unlimited, the professional golf management team retained by the OPA to manage its course, so he will not support purchasing the equipment. Cordwell responded that the management team didn’t want the mowers because they wanted to buy “nice new shiny” golf carts instead. He said the board specifically put the purchase of the mowers in the fiscal year 2016-17 budget because the existing mowers are well past their useful life and have had numerous repairs just to get them through last season. “During the budget process the board elected to move purchase of mowers forward,” Thompson confirmed. ‘The board made that decision after determining that the existing mowers in use on the golf course have many more hours of use

on them than originally thought. As a result, the mowers were scheduled for replacement based on USGA guidelines for usage.” He said their replacement is a capital expenditure and does not have an impact on LU’s budget for managing the course. Thompson said he is following that budget directive in presenting bids to the board for consideration. He added that the new mowers have been in the superintendent’s requested budget for at least four years. Director Dave Stevens said the course superintendent works for the golf management company but he doesn’t speak for it. The management company, specifically the regional manager, made a recommendation and the board can’t just ignore it, he argued. Thompson clarified that the regional manager for LU is opposed to purchase the specific mowers recommended by the course superintendent but recommended buying a different type of mower instead. He said the regional manager suggested purchasing two mowers with a wider cutting base instead of the three 80-inch units in order to reduce the number of man hours expended cutting the course. That option was evaluated, according to Thompson, but rejected by the course superintendent because the larger units

would be heavier and exert more pressure per square inch on the turf. Additionally, the bigger units would provide for a less consistent cut. “The smaller mowers allow for a more consistent cut because the base is not as large,” he said. “The fairways are mostly bent grass and require a light weight cutting unit to effectively groom the turf and not damage the fairway,” Terry said. “The soil structure underneath softens dramatically with moisture creating many rutting opportunities.” Maintaining a three-mower system also allows course maintenance staff to stay out of the way of golfers. Thompson said reducing it to just two mowers would mean they would need to stay on the course longer, breaching the 11 to 11:30 a.m. window when the first tee time of golfers makes their way to the latter part of the course. “I would not be putting the recommendation forward if I didn’t believe it was in the best interest of the community,” Thompson said. OPA President Pat Renaud, who participated in the meeting via conference call, said the issue really is about the level of service provided to golf members. “I think that’s an excellent point,” Collins agreed, but he still wanted input from LU’s team. “I still think I would behoove us if we did receive some recommendation from corporate.”

Terry reminded the board that the original request for the mowers was not put forth by the general manager. It was a request by the course superintendent for his department and the board moved it forward and tried to take into consideration input from LU. However he said, LU provided skewed information about the number of usage hours on the current mowers. He said the general manager presented a suggested purchase that is under budget and meets the needs at the OPA golf course. Terry said the board has a staff request to make a purchase that the board put in the budget. “We’re simply re-adjudicating the argument that was put forth during budget,” he said in an effort to end the discussion. When the motion for approval of the mower purchase locked in a 3-3 vote, Terry immediately said the discussion would be moved to a special meeting of the board the following week. He did the same when the motion to approve the sprayer, about which there was no debate, failed for lack of majority support. No special meeting occurred the following week because of scheduling difficulties. Directors did approve another capital purchase of awnings for the tiki bar at the Yacht Club. The $24,797 purchase was budgeted. The contract was awarded to East Coast Shutters and Awnings.

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June 2016 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

Board candidate suggests directors should reconsider repairs to Ocean Parkway bridge and instead use the money for full replacement By TOM STAUSS Publisher candidate for the Board of Directors in this summer’s Ocean Pines Association’s elections is urging the current board to abandon plans to repair the Ocean Parkway bridge not far from Clubhouse Drive and use the resources allocated for repair to replace the bridge instead. Telling the board that in his view the bridge is functionally obsolete because of its outdated design, candidate Slobodan Trendic said he has uncovered data that shows the bridge was not designed to carry the current traffic load, citing 40,000-pound fire trucks and an aereal truck that weighs 70,000 pounds. He questioned whether the bridge lanes are too narrow “for today’s standards and our mixed traffic needs” and questioned whether the bridge is safe enough to accommodate both pedestrian and bi-

cycle traffic. He cited a recent bridge collapse on Interstate 5 in Washington State, and urged the directors to consider taking action to protect the OPA and individual directors from potential lawsuits resulting from a similar collapse of the Parkway bridge. “Is there enough on the record to support charges of gross negligence (from failing to act)?” Trendic asked. He recommended the immediate installation of bridge warning signs for weight load limits and pedestrian traffic restrictions, which probably not coincidentally were posted soon after Trendic made his remarks to the directors at their May 25 monthly meeting during the public comments segment. Trendic said like “many communities around the nation,” the OPA’s bridge on Ocean Parkway near Clubhouse Drive, and another span on Clubhouse Drive

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near the Ocean Pines Country Club, suffer from years of neglected maintenance and repairs. He urged the board to “immediately hire an independent engineering firm with specific skill sets” to evaluate current conditions at the two bridges and begin plans for replacement “as recommended in Worcester County’s 2011 bridge inspection report.” Trendic’s call for replacement of the Clubhouse Drive bridge appears too late for board action, but that may not be the case for the Parkway bridge, for which a request for proposal was slated for release in late May or June. Bid specs routinely indicate that all proposals for the work are subject to rejection by the OPA. On the recommendation of General Manager Bob Thompson, the board during its April 28 regular monthly meeting approved a $377,417 contract for extensive repairs to the Clubhouse

Drive bridge. The OPA awarded the contract to the firm Murtech Inc., one of just two bidders to respond to a request for proposals. Trendic questioned the scope of work for the pending Parkway repair after showing the board photos of the bridge undercarriage visible by boat passing through the canal under the bridge. Noting exposed rebar, he asked whether the plan would be to patch over or completely remove and replace all exposed and rusted rebar. “The general rule is that for exposed and rusted rebar, if the diameter is reduced by 20 percent (by rusting) the rebar shall be completely removed and replaced,” Trendic wrote in a prepared document he distributed to the directors. “This includes longitudinal rebar (running the length of the beam) and the stirrup rebars (perpendicular to the length, vertical in the beam).” He said replacement of the stirrup rebars would require complete removal around the full perimeter of the beam. Trendic also raised the question of whether the planned repairs would be making a distinction between concrete beams with significant damage and those with only slight damage. He wondered whether the plan is to replace beams with significant damage while repairing those with more modest damage. q

Trendic critical of bridge repair, says replacement is better choice because of ‘functional obsolescence’

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ion could use timber, steel or concrete materials 26 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

June 2016

Bridge repairs From Page 25

He suggested that a thorough investigation of the bridge abutments (end substructure) and timber retaining walls needed to be performed, which in turn could lead to additional costs. “It appears that some portion of the timber retaining wall and pilings has eroded away,” he said. “If it’s bad enough the retaining wall could be a washout and failure of the abutment is a potential.” None of the directors, or Thompson, had immediate answers for Trendic’s questions and concerns. In a short interview after the meeting, Trendic said replacement of the bridges make more economic sense than repairs because the money used for repairs would go a long way towards covering the OPA’s ultimate cost of bridge The Clubhouse Drive bridge replacement, which he said is covered The Clubhouse Drive bridge. on an 80-20 federal/state and local share formula. he actions OPA President Pat Renaud said the and is working closely with county’s He acknowledged that the cost of re lems with repairs need to be made very soon. “It Public Works Department to addressplacement has to be fronted by the OPA, but sometime after the bridge is rereport in- behooves us to have a plan in place for both the improvements and the cost ofplaced , or perhaps during construction, e and pri- repairs,” he said, making them. Using an engineeringthe OPA could apply to state and federal rovements Both the Ocean ParkwayFina and Club- firm recommended by the county, theagencies for 80 percent reimbursement ncial Advisorr the construction cost, leaving the OPA for action house Drive bridges over the canal are OPA is working on parallel paths pur-of to absorb the remaining 20 percent. a single span concrete bridge with an suing both repairs and replacement of He dismissed concerns by some diward with asphalt surface and timber abutments the bridges based on a 2014 evaluationrectors that replacement funds are not eeds to be and wing-walls. The bridges are part of and report on their condition, Thompsonavailable, suggesting that he’s been told in fact federal money is available e plans to the Worcester County roads inventory. said. Immediate action items are thosethat if the OPA, perhaps through the county, airs to the When the bridge safety rating of a struc- repairs the OPA can make now whilemakes the application. er. While ture drops below 50 on the scale used n St. priority items will be addressed some- Engineers David, Bowen and Friedel 215 N North Main reviewed the Clubhouse Drive bridge ded in the by the state, then the county can begin 11 time in future. Berlin n, MD 2181 proposals in April for the OPA and recd the cost investigating its replacement, with the The repair process for both bridges isommended the low bidders of Murtech 410‐2 208‐1704 4 $250,000 help of state and federal funds. focused on the super structure, the partInc. The company’s base bid was eds to be ©2012 Raymond Because James & Associat the bridges are located withof the bridge that mes Financial is above the water$352,417, with an additional $25,000 tes, Inc., member New York Stock Exxchange/SIPC ©20012 Raymond Jam on as a contingency in case addimember FINRA/SI es is a registered t mond James Finan ncial, Inc. ure above in Services, Inc., Ocean Pines, the IPC Raymond Jame OPA is taking the trademark of Raym level, Thompson said. Based on engi-tacked tional expenses are incurred for utility 11‐RPRETT‐0061 MM/EN 122/12 low. lead on planning for the bridge repairs To Page 14

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relocation. The repair work is limited to the superstructure, or those above ground, to save time and money. The repairs are expected to extend the life of the Clubhouse Drive bridge and improve its bridge sustainment ratio, which is the measure by which a bridge qualifies to participate in state and federal replacement programs. Repairs to the Ocean Parkway bridge are scheduled for fall. The bridge repairs will only be temporary fixes, according to Thompson, who says that eventually both bridges, which are part of the Worcester County roads inventory, need to be completely replaced. While the OPA is planning for their replacement, it will be the county that decides when that work will be done and how to pay for it, he said. Both bridges have fallen below the minimum level of 50 on the state’s bridge safety rating system, allowing for their replacement if the OPA and county can find a way to cover the cost. Currently the bridges have BSRs of 41.3 and 47.2 respectively. Thompson said there are two primary funding mechanisms for bridge replacement – state grants and federal grants. Thompson said early estimates for replacing the bridges was in the range of $800,000 each, but said that figure didn’t include the cost of mobilization and ancillary work that pushes the replacement figure closer to $1.3 million per bridge. Because of that escalating cost, the OPA opted to focus on repair work at this time. Thomson said concerns about the relocation of utilities that are located on or adjacent to the bridge have been resolved. The OPS worked with the individual utility companies, including electric, gas, cable and telephone, to plan for relocating their lines. Worcester County will move its water and wastewater lines. Director Carol Jacobs asked why the contingency funding for utility relocation is the OPA’s responsibility and not that of the utility companies. “It’s our bridge. Any repair work we do it’s on us,” Thompson responded. But it’s up to the utility company to find a way to support their lines while the repairs are being made. “There’s a whole lot of utility lines that are all popping under over around those bridges,” he added.” Director Tom Herrick asked if while the repairs are being made the construction company will perform a more extensive evaluation of the bridge’s condition. Thompson said the contractor may identify some additional areas or other concerns that need to be addressed. “One of the things we’ve talked about with the representative from the company we’re recommending was when they actually start to do this work some of it is a little more invasive than the visual inspection. So they’ll be able to identify or share if there are any other major issues that pop up,” he added.

OPA FINANCES

June 2016 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

OPA nets $232,000 surplus for 2015-16 fiscal year Aquatics achieves near break-even, golf ahead of last year, Yacht Club improves by more than $100,000 By TOM STAUSS Publisher ccording to the unaudited financial statement for the fiscal year ending April 30, the Ocean Pines Association netted a $231,820 operating surplus for the year, including new capital expenditures and loan principal reduction. Excluding those adjustments, the net operating surplus for the year was $374,457, compared to the budgeted $302,482. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a $71,975 positive variance to budget. The $232,000 operating surplus was achieved on net operating revenues of $10.791 million and operating expenses of $10.417 million. There were new capital expenditures and loan principal payments of $142,000. Revenues were less than budgeted by $197,626, but OPA management achieved savings on the expense side relative to budget by $269,600. New capital expenditures were under budget by $159,845. April ended on a mostly positive note for the OPA, with the notable exception of Yacht Club food and beverage operations, which lost $41,562 for the month and missed its budget by $28,433. There was a $126,158 operating fund q

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OPA FINANCES

June 2016

OPA finances Safe boating

The next Safe Boating Class that will be conducted by the local Coast Guard Auxiliary is scheduled for June 7-9 at the Ocean Pines Library. The class will run from 6 to 9 p.m. each night. To register, contact Barry Cohen at 410-973-1097. The fee is $15. The course teaches boat handling, safety equipment, knot tying and recreational boating tips.

From Page 27 variance for the month, with revenues missing budget by $32,161 and expenses exceeding budget by $4,313. Saving the month for the OPA were new capital expenditures, which were under budget by $162,632. Major amenity performance for the month was mixed, with golf making money for the OPA while the Yacht Club and Aquatics both sustained losses, in both cases recording negative balances to budget. Golf missed its budget target for April as well. Despite positive signs going into April that Aquatics would make money for the year, it didn’t quite achieve that, losing $5,228 for the year and $38,978 for the month. Even so, the near-breakeven result was far and away the best result for the department since the Sports Core pool was covered less than ten years ago. Aquatics had been budgeted to lose $113,000 for the year, meaning the department recorded a positive variance to budget of $107,772. By another measure, the improvement was even more impressive. In 2015-16, Aquatics lost $168,626. The year-over-year swing was $163,398. Roughly a third of that swing can be explained by a $48,000 contribution to Aquatics from Beach Club parking pass revenues. Beach Club parking passes – those sold to property owners without an amenity membership – are part of a bundled package with four pool passes good for use at the Beach Club swimming pool only. This summer, the staff at the Beach Club pool will be recording the number of card swipes from these Beach Club pool passes, making it possible to quantify the revenue attributable to their use. In

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the 2015-16 fiscal year, the $48,000 allocation from Beach Club parking passes was based on an estimate of the cost of operating the Beach Club pool, a somewhat inexact method of allocating revenue from the parking-pool pass bundle. Aquatics achieved its turn-around both on higher revenues related to budget -- $785,478 actual compared to the $687,496 budgeted – and less expense, $790,706 actual compared to the $800,496 budgeted. Golf operations, including related food and beverage at the Tern Grill, did much better than OPA management had predicted in mid-year and threequarter-year forecasts for the year-end results. At the three-quarter-year mark, OPA management had predicted that golf operations would lose $150,000 for the year. The actual loss was $115,661, fueled mostly by a $34,569 surplus recorded in April. Golf missed its $100,000 budgeted loss by a relatively modest $15,661. The new golf course management company, Landscapes Unlimited, improved results over the final year the course was operated by Billy Casper Golf by $1306. BCG’s operational loss in 2015-16 was $116,967. Through February, LU had been ahead of the previous year’s net by roughly $8,000. That reversed at the end of March. LU was underperforming compared to the prior year by $4,032. The situation reversed again in April, with LU ending the year with a small lead over BCG’s final year. The Yacht Club ended the year in the red, after accumulating surpluses for most of the year. That ended in March, when the amenity slipped into deficit for the first time. The Yacht Club lost $41,562 in April, with a $28,433 negative variance to budget. For the year, the loss was $76,219, with a $138,351 negative variance to budget. Even so, the Yacht Club for the year just ended did much better than it did the prior year, when it lost $181,875. The year-over-year positive swing was $105,656. Had the OPA opted to close the Yacht Club shortly after Labor Day weekend, it would have racked up a substantial surplus for the OPA. That surplus has been whittled away during the colder months of the year, as the numbers of people needed to at least break even during these months simply didn’t materialize in large enough numbers to generate the needed revenues. Status of the balance sheet: According to the April 30 balance sheet, the OPA has assets valued at $37.539887 million, against liabilities of $10.77 million and owner equity of $27.12 million. The March balance sheet indicates that the OPA had $3.117 million in operating cash as of April 30, compared to $4.407 million a year prior. Short term investments were valued at $68.544 million, compared to $4.02 million a year earlier.

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By TOM STAUSS Publisher f you’re one of roughly 400 or 500 Ocean Pines lot owners seriously delinquent in your annual lot assessments, facing legal action by the Ocean Pines Association aimed at collecting those arrearages, there may be some modest help available to you to avoid some if not all of the extra charges that the OPA tacks on to the actual delinquent assessments. The help could even extend to property owners just a little late on paying the OPA. Former OPA Director George Coleburn, a former lawyer and business law professor, wrote the Progress recently about a procedural error the current board and past boards have committed by failing to authorize, in an open session in February, the actual rate of a service charge the OPA can assess on unpaid balances. In his letter to the Progress, which is printed in its entirely in the Opinion section of this edition, Coleburn wrote that the OPA in a March 1 statement gave notice that current assessments for the 2016-17 fiscal year are due May 1. The notice said that a 1.67 percent monthly service charge “will be assessed” on a monthly basis on unpaid balances. That works out to a 20.04 percent annual rate, which some might argue is borderline extortionate, with an especially heavy burden on households

OPA FINANCES

June 2016

Former OPA director Coleburn uncovers OPA non-compliance in delinquency service charges Faults board for not adopting annual service charge rate in public session in February in compliance with mandate in Declaration of Restrictions struggling to pay the bills. According to Coleburn, the “ostensible basis” for such a service charge is found in the Declaration of Restrictions for all sections within Ocean Pines, with the exception of Section 16. Section 16 is the Parke section of Ocean Pines in the Southside, reserved for seniors 55 and older. The omission of a service charge for this section of Ocean Pines in the DRs could give residents there a basis for refusing to pay a service charge if they happen to be a few month’s late on their annual assessments, or worse. But Coleburn seemed to suggest that all Ocean Pines property owners who failed to pay their assessments by May 1 could avoid a service charge because the DRs say that “if any such charge shall not be paid when due, it shall bear interest from the date of delinquency at the rate set by the Board of Directors at an open board meeting in February of each

year.” Coleburn reviewed minutes of the board’s three open meetings in February – they’re available for review on the OPA Web site – and he said there is no indication that the directors complied with the DRs by adopting the annual service charge. Any board decision adopting a 20 percent annual service charge most likely would have resulted in extensive media coverage. “This omission deprives OPA of the ability to collect a service charge for delinquent payment of this year’s current assessments,” Coleburn said. He went on to say that if the board similarly failed to comply with the DRs in prior years, the annual financial statement published by the OPA after

an annual audit would be overstating “accounts receivable … by the amount of any authorized service charges included.” That wouldn’t be the first time the annual financial statement has been in error. The most recent published annual financial statement for 2014-15 contained a schedule that misstated the status of the OPA’s bulkhead replacement program, saying it had been reauthorized after the original 35-year program had been completed. In fact, the program had not ended after 35 years – despite at least one public pronouncement by General Manager Bob Thompson that it had been, later walked back -- and no program had been proposed by OPA management nor authorized by the board. Coleburn also warned the OPA of “serious implications” should the OPA attempt to collect “unauthorized” service charges in court action. “Any attempt … to collect unauthorized service charges … may have caused it to make false affidavits to the Court concerning its right to such service charges,” he wrote. His letter did not detail those possible serious consequences, but false statements generally tend not to be well received by judges.

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From Page 1 tempted unilaterally to “repeal” a board resolution pertaining to candidate statements in ballot materials to be sent to property owners in July. [See Page 38 for details.] Trendic also has announced his opposition to the general manager’s proposed food truck that Collins, along with directors Tom Herrick and Dave Stevens, voted during the May 25 meeting to oppose. Another announced candidate, Tom Janasek, used the public comments segment of the May 25 board meeting to urge the board to allow Ocean Pines resident Warren Rosenfeld, who owns and operates a food truck, to test the concept this summer using his own equipment. Janasek is a regular attendee of board meetings and has shown a willingness to disagree with management on occasion, with the food truck issue just the latest example. The board deadlocked in a 3-3 tie on the proposed purchase and retrofitting of a 2000 Federal Express freight truck during the May 25 meeting. A fourth vote in favor of the proposed $53,000 purchase and retrofit, Cheryl Jacobs, didn’t make the meeting because of a family emergency. OPA President Pat Renaud has been attempting to schedule a special meeting in which the food truck issue could be revisited, presumably with four votes in favor. [See Page 15 for details.] Revenue projections presented by Thompson month’s ago are outdated because the truck was not operational for the entire season. This summer’s election includes candidates who have been engaged in Ocean Pines affairs through its advisory committees. There are four candidates who are either current or former members of committees, which sometimes has been a steppingstone to the board – Steve Lind, Doug Parks, Frank Daly and Pat Supik. Lind, retired from a career in law enforcement, is a former long-time member of the Clubs Advisory Committee. He was in the headlines several months ago for engaging in a contentious debate with General Manager Bob Thompson at a town meeting. He staked out positions often at odds with colleagues on the clubs committee, advocating for consideration of leasing out Yacht Club food and beverage operations as an alternative to in-house management. He resigned from the committee last year after frequent policy clashes with chairman Les Purcell, a former OPA board member. In some recent email to Renaud, copied to the Progress, Lind referred to the town hall incident as minor, but he reminded the OPA president that Jacobs, as OPA vice-president, advised Lind, in response to the incident, “to be careful when using defamatory language in a public arena.” Lind, who at the time denied he had said anything defamatory about Thomp-

June 2016 Ocean Pines PROGRESS son but simply disagreed with him, directed Renaud to recent comments from retiring director Bill Cordwell, published in a local weekly, in which Cordwell said that he didn’t “need to be around people who, in my opinion, are phony, deceitful and just can’t tell the truth,” going on to say that “therefore, I have no further desire to be associated with Marty Clarke, Dave Stevens, Jack Collins, Slobodan Trendic and their associates.” Cordwell, who earlier this year seemed to suggest that he would throw his fellow director, Collins, “through the wall” when he (Collins) seemed to invade Cordwell’s personal space when they were engaged in a policy disagreement, was linking Trendic and Collins, who are running for election this summer, with Clarke, a former director who isn’t. InOP-progressmagicad-0615_Layout fact, though they agree on many is-

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32 Ocean Pines PROGRESS June 2016 OPA board candidates From Page 31 sues, Clarke and Collins weren’t particularly close when they served together on the board. Clarke is backing Janasek and Parks in this summer’s board competition. Lind, a long-time Ocean Pines resident and retired from law enforcement, asked Renaud if use of the words “phony, deceitful and just can’t tell the truth” could be considered defamatory. He wondered the same about the phrase “I’ll throw you through the wall. “I’m not looking to make a big deal out of this, but an explanation for a double standard is warranted, and maybe even an apology from you and Ms. Jacobs,” Lind wrote. He received no reply from Renaud or Jacobs. Parks, an information technology executive, is chairman of the Bylaws and Resolutions Advisory Committee and Daly, also a business executive, is the new chairman of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, which has run into a buzzsaw of controversy of late over sluggish progress in drafting an updated comprehensive plan for Ocean Pines. Parks’ election materials cite a need for fiscal responsibility, practical and decisive action, and sensible priorities. Daly’s election materials call for “strong board oversight, not micro-man-

COVER STORY agement,” with the latter usually interpreted as a preference for letting the general manager oversee day-to-day management of the OPA with minimal board interference. Micro-management is a word usually associated with those who are pro-Thompson and who believe he is encumbered in his job because of it. Daly calls for “collaboration, not confrontation,” between the board and Thompson, which would appear to place him tacitly if not solidly in the pro-Thompson camp. Very much in the pro-Thompson camp is Pat Supik, chair of the Budget and Finance Advisory Committee, where she forged a close working relationship with Thompson in two budget preparation cycles. She subscribes to a school of thought that says OPA reserves are under-funded and should be increased to prepare for major capital projects and the effects of inflation on the cost of replacing major assets. In a recent interview published in a local weekly, she said she had resisted efforts by retiring director Tom Terry and former director and current OPA assistant director Pete Gomsak last summer to persuade her to run for the board. Gomsak has been identified with the viewpoint that OPA reserves are under-funded. A retired certified public accountant, Gomsak has calculated, as a desirable target for reserve funding, the “annual component cost” of replacing OPA as-

sets. The ACC is somewhere north of $14 million. Even at the beginning of the fiscal year, when roughly $4 million in new reserve funding is booked, the total reserve balance is not close to $14 million. As of May 30, the total reserve balance is likely to reside at roughly $10 million. The ACC as a goal for reserve funding is very controversial, with Stevens, a director who Cordwell regards as phony and deceitful, on the record as opposing it. Back in February, Stevens called it “sheer unadulterated garbage” to tie the annual component cost calculation to a debate on the proper level of reserve funding, which in turn is one of the main drivers of the annual OPA lot assessment. To increase it to $14 million or more would probably require a substantial assessment increase, a policy prescription that candidates are not likely to embrace in the run-up to balloting. In the interview, Supik said it “probably” was “not reasonable to fully fund” the ACC, but she nonetheless said that when “the Country Club falls in on itself,” the OPA will need the resources to deal with replacement. That puts her at odds with at least three sitting board members, Collins, Stevens and Herrick, all of whom have said that the Country Club is structurally sound according to engineering reports but is in need of a major renovation rather than replacement. Supik

said her position on replacement over renovation was not “unbending,” but her preference was clear. Three members of her committee – John Trumpower, John Viola and Jim Beisler -- endorsed her candidacy when contacted by the Progress in early June, with two others declining to do so. All three said she was experienced in financial matters and had the best interests of Ocean Pines in mind. She also has the strong endorsement of Terry, the OPA treasurer, who is retiring from the board in August. Thompson has praised the work of the committee under Supik’s leadership. Committee member Dale Buley declined comment, and another, John O’Connor, initially declined comment, but he went on to say he thought she was not well known and wouldn’t win the election because of it. One long-time former committee member Gene Ringsdorf, who left the committee back in October, also declined comment. A former member and Stupik’s predecessor as chairman of the committee, Dennis Hudson, who is still listed on the OPA Web site as a member, said he could not endorse her candidacy. Under her leadership, he said the committee has abandoned its more traditional role as a kind of “inspector general” that closely monitors and challenges management when needed. He suggested that the committee has become a To Page 34

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From Page 32 “cheerleader” for management and that was one of his reasons for resigning. He called Stupik “a nice lady” but someone he couldn’t vote for. “There are better choices from among those running,” he said. Other candidates who filed at or close to the deadline include Brett C. Hill, Sharona Ezaoui, and George Simon Jr. Rounding out the slate of 12 are the first two candidates to file, perennial candidate Ray Unger and Larry Perrone. Thompson’s recent three-year contract extension and his five and a half years as general manager – he was given the position by the board in the fall of 2010 – will be an election issue this summer. Of the 12 candidates who have filed to run, Trendic says for sure that he would have voted with Director Tom Herrick to oppose the extension. Lind told the Progress in an email that he, too, would have voted against the extension. “Don’t read too much into this folks, and don’t interpret my hypothetical ‘no’ vote as an indication of any pre-determined attitude toward the General Manager’s employment status,” Lind said, adding that he would have voted no “simply to send the message to my colleagues and to the community that

COVER STORY I agree with director Herrick’s common sense suggestion that the board should research options to determine if this community would be better and more efficiently served by a management firm.” Hill said he would have voted with Herrick in opposing the contract extension. “I have to say my opinion is that the vote was premature, and not enough comparative information was provided for me to make an informed decision. With that said, my vote, at the time the other board members voted, would have been no,” Hill said. “I believe that before making any decision, all options would need to be evaluated, and I don’t see where the board had any reasonable basis of comparison to decide that the contract extension was the best decision for the community.” Daly made it clear he was not running on a campaign to replace the general manager. Both Janasek and Parks said they weren’t sure how they would have voted, saying they didn’t have enough information to form a definite opinion. Neither seems firmly entrenched in the pro-Thompson camp, however. Unger and Daly are two candidates who, based on their comments, seem supportive of the general manager. Supik is probably the most intrenched in the pro-Thompson camp, comparable in loyalty to retiring director Bill Cordwell

and former director Sharyn O’Hare, who retired from the board after one term last August. Ezaoui in a prepared statement also said she would have voted for the extension Collins was one of six directors who voted for Thompson extension, but he told the Progress he was sympathetic with the reasons that Herrick voted against it. Collins said there were three options available to the directors, and extending the 2014 contract for three years seemed the least objectionable. He also said there were four firm votes for an extension and that having a divisive debate trying to renegotiate the contract did not seem worthwhile. He said the contract remains “at will,” which means the board can cancel it anytime but must honor a nine-month severance package specified in the contract. The three seats on the board to be contested this summer are held by Collins, Terry and Cordwell. Terry is term-limited and can’t run for re-election, while Cordwell told colleagues he didn’t plan to run for re-election. Recent published comments suggest that he won’t be voting for Collins or Trendic. Collins, Daly, Janasek, Parks and Trendic had statements about their reasons for running published in the May edition of the Progress. Candidates who responded to a Progress invitation to have their statements

published in this edition are Supik, Lind, Hill, and Ezaoui. George Simon Jr. has not been responded to a Progress invitation to submit a candidate statement.

Sharona Ezaoui

“In 1992, I moved to Ocean Pines with my husband and two kids. My kids grew up and went to school here. I have worked at Sunsations the entire time we have lived in the area. “For the last 10 years I have been the Executive Director/Asst. to the President & CEO for Sunsations and all affiliated corporations. “My job duties include handling payroll, managing the company’s budget, reviewing and enforcing contracts, and, at times, representing the company in legal actions. “Over the last twenty years I have seen tremendous growth in the Greater Ocean City Area, and that growth extended to Ocean Pines. “More residents are living here year round, and community programs have increased to accommodate that permanent population; including more afterschool and summer programs for children. “If I am elected to the Board I would address a few issues that will make

Elect Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors

A RETURN TO LEADERSHIP • Fiscal Responsibility • Practical and Decisive Action • Sensible Priorities Authority: Doug Parks

34 Ocean Pines PROGRESS June 2016 OPA board candidates

COVER STORY OPA board candidates

June 2016 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

Kiwanis Anniversary

On May 18, at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, the 36th anniversary of the chartering of the club was celebrated with a luncheon chaired by Peg Morton. It has been a custom for many years to invite the spouses of deceased members to attend the festivities, including, left to right, seated, Gloria Lebling, Sue Breidenstein, Pat Foringer and Margaret Hudson. Standing, left to right, Grace Gallagher, Marjorie Hagood, Anita McLoughlin, Margaret Rehkemper (her husband was one of the original charter members), Joan Schaefer and Betty McDermott. Several members were recognized for their service anniversaries: Ralph Chinn 20 years, J. Graham Caldwell and Al Levine, 15 years; Gloria Bassich, ten years; and Stella Hartington, five years. “In conclusion, I believe I am a good candidate for the Board because I bring a common a sense approach to problem solving combined with years of experience handling budgets, contracts, and a workforce. “Furthermore, I live by a set of values that has helped me succeed everything I’ve done in life. If elected, I will serve

the members with dependability, integrity, and distinction.”

Brett C. Hill

“My wife of 13 years, Kim, and I both grew up in the Baltimore metro area, and spent our youth vacationing in Ocean City. In 2007, just before our first child was born, we rented our first home

in Ocean Pines as a weekend getaway. In 2012, we purchased our current home in Teal Bay, with the intention of keeping is at a vacation / weekend getaway. “As our son started to become more active in sports, we were forced to make the decision of enjoying the lifestyle that Worcester County offered, or dedicating

I believe the Board of Directors needs to stop kicking the can down the road and start working for ALL property owners of Ocean Pines. • I will work to s.t.o.p. the spending over and above the prepared yearly budget that has gone on for the last 6 years. What’s the point of a budget that we don’t follow? • I will work to repair and maintain our assets in a timely manner. Our Beach Club bathrooms, for example, have been a maintenance nightmare for many years. It will be one of my first priorities if elected. • We need to have harmony among the board members. I don’t expect 7 people to agree on everything but we at least have to be civil in our debate. We have all seen things in this year’s board meetings that are not only unprofessional but downright embarrassing. I will attempt to make the meetings accessible to all property owners of Ocean Pines not just to the board members and staff.

Please vote for

TOM JANASEK

Ocean Pines Association, Board of Directors

Working for ALL of Ocean Pines!

From Page 34 everyday life easier for residents like looking in to a system to cover the rain/ water ditches next to each house, and increased grass cutting and cleanup on the side of the roads. “Regarding Bob’s contract, I would have voted in favor of the extension if I was a member of the Board. I believe that he has done a good job caring for the community in his capacity of General Contractor. “Regarding the Association’s financial reserves, I think the amount may be a little high and we should reevaluate the use of those reserves. Any surplus could potentially go to repairs to common areas for the benefit of all of our residents. “Alternatively, the reserves could be used to provide a one-time credit/discount on association fee for all owners (like a rebate). “Regarding Mr. Tom Herrick’s proposal to re-stripe the tennis courts so they may be used for pickle ball, quick research online indicates that we can paint the courts in two different colors to allow for both striping for both sports. “For example, we could paint the tennis lines in yellow, and the pickle ball lines in red. This way, the courts can be used by a greater amount of residents for a greater number of activities.

COVER STORY

June 2016

OPA board candidates From Page 35 our time to sports in the Baltimore area. “After looking at the schools around our home here, the recreational sports for our children, and the lifestyle that Ocean Pines offered our family, we decided in late 2014 to make the move to Ocean Pines full time in June of 2015. A year later, it was the best decision we ever made. “Our children, Christian, 8, and Elizabeth, 6, love it here, and are flourishing both in and out of school. “Professionally, I am the CEO of a telecommunications real estate investment trust. My company, FTS Fiber, is now headquartered in West Ocean City, and is building fiber optic networks throughout the mid-Atlantic, and most importantly, on the Delmarva. “On June 13th we will be breaking ground on our first cables on the Delmarva in Kent County, MD, and working our way South throughout this year into next. I have spent the majority of my career in various levels of management in communications and technology organizations. “Athough I am the youngest of all of the candidates, I believe my professional experience, along with my education from the Sellinger School of Business at Loyola College in Maryland, give me a

very strong background to help guide our community. “Outside of work, and before I had children, my wife and I spent many years investing in real estate, and gained much success in becoming involved in our community / home owner associations. “I served as both Secretary and President of the HOA of the Villages of Homeland, where my wife and I both lived and invested in other properties. “I also served on the York Road Partnership in Baltimore, and fostered a 10 year agreement between Loyola College and the surrounding neighborhoods back in 2003. “I am not a politician, but a businessman, and I make all decisions in both my professional career, and community representations with thorough evaluations, and sound documentation to back up the chosen direction. “Since we became homeowners officially in Ocean Pines, I have had a strong desire to serve on the board. In the 9 years that I have been a part of this community, I have seen a board of directors that, in my opinion, does not represent a majority of the community in many of the decisions made. “Until last year, it was virtually impossible for me to participate in any board meetings, as they have been consistently held on weekday mornings,

mid-week, when any owner, who like myself was part-time, could not attend. Now that I am full time, I face the same struggles, as I have a business to run, and midweek morning meetings are not always the most feasible. “When the core business of the neighborhood takes place at a time that only a limited few can participate, how is the majority really able to be represented? “I want to earn your vote to represent the community now, because I feel as a young family within the neighborhood, I represent an entirely different set of goals than many of the other candidates, and for me, protecting the long viability of our amenities in my #1 priority. “My family chose Ocean Pines because of all of the amenities it offered us in raising our children. My family spends as many days as possible, every summer, at the beach club and pools. Prior to the reconstruction of the yacht club, my family dined in the yacht club 3-4 times per month (and we were only here part time). “In the last 9 years, we have seen minimal investment in Beach Club and Golf Club, a ton of money go into the yacht club, but a consumer experience decline to the point where no one in my family wants to dine there, and beautiful playgrounds rot away with greater concern over pickle ball court additions. “I would like to earn a board seat to

see these amenities move into a sustainable plan for continued use and expansion (at a profit independent of assessments). “Since all of us were asked how we would have voted on the Bob Thompson contract renewal, I have to say my opinion is that the vote was premature, and not enough comparative information was provided for me to make an informed decision. “With that said, my vote, at the time the other board members voted, would have been no. “I believe that before making any decision, all options would need to be evaluated, and I don’t see where the board had any reasonable basis of comparison to decide that the contract extension was the best decision for the community. “For the pickleball courts, I think Tom Terry’s proposal of restriping existing tennis courts is a much better investment and compromise for the community. “Spending $750,000.00 for pickleball courts and $55,000 for food trucks might appeal to a few, but I don’t see how these expenditures had sufficient documentation and research to be justifiable investments for the community. “In closing, I must reiterate that I am not a politician, and I am not going to say I am an expert in all aspects of

36 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

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COVER STORY

Steve Lind

“My motivation for running is simple: some on the current board have forgotten that they represent the interests of the property owners and instead they seem to represent the interests of the general manager, many times resulting in one unelected person determining - without challenge, oversight or accountability - the kind of community Ocean Pines should be, and how much we should spend in getting there. “Anyone who has been paying attention is aware of the turmoil and contentiousness that some on our board have subjected this community to, and the vote always seems to be the same four directors supporting whatever the GM proposes. “One of said majority had even threatened another director with physical harm - disgraceful. “Directors voting lock-step as a pro-spending block - - no matter what the issue or how much it will cost the property owners - is harmful to this community. “For the last two elections we have voted for change, but the change hasn’t come due to an uncompromising majority. “I won’t be so bold as to say that I’ll “hit the ground running”, but because I have been immersed in the politics of this community since I arrived in 1998, there will be no ‘wait and see’ period at the beginning of my tenure. (Some of you may have read my commentaries in the Progress, some of you may have heard my remarks during the public comments segments of the board meetings, or my comments at GM town hall meetings.) “I’ve lived in Ocean Pines since ‘99 and have been lovin’ every minute of it . . . until I pick up the local papers and read about the antics of the current board. “This is a board that has members who exhibit disdain for property owners who disagree with them, and according to numerous property owner remarks made during public comments at board meetings, this is a board that ignores emails sent to the directors via the OPA site. “Even emails from advisory committees are ignored according to a recent story in this paper. Both as a resident and as a member of the Clubs Committee I too found this to be the case in

“And as far as individual Ocean Pines issues, I hesitate to express specifics because any such statements would be made without knowledge of all the facts that a board member is privy to, and would thus merely be opinion and/or personal preference . . . as it is, too many board members promote their personal preferences rather than the preferences of the property owners. “As a NYC Police Officer (Brooklyn) in the 70’s and 80’s, decisions had to be made quickly and wisely. And when I retired, as a small business owner fiscal responsibility kept me afloat. If elected I will strive to contribute to a fiscally responsible board. “Let’s get our house in order.

“(Regarding the recent Thompson contract extension), two of the minority - who have otherwise done a good job looking out for the financial interests of the property owners - basically stated that because we all knew what the vote of the majority was sure to be, it would have been a futile effort to vote ‘no’, so they joined the majority and approved the contract. “But if they knew that opposing the contract renewal was futile (and yes, it was), then why not vote ‘no’ anyway even if it was just a symbolic vote? It would have been 4-3 approve, case closed, but at least they would have taken a definitive stand on the issue.

From Page 36 Ocean Pines. I can tell you I give 110 percent to everything I do. “I am passionate about providing the best for my family, and if I make a commitment, I always follow through. “If I am elected, I will dedicate all the time necessary to serve the home owner’s of Ocean Pines, and make sure that our assessments are protected, to allow the sustainability of everything that Ocean Pines has to offer us.”

many instances. “Of course I understand that the board has more things to consider than just “it’s a good idea”, but at least extend the courtesy of a response. “As a board member I will consider the opinions and arguments of fellow board members and of advisory committees, I will get as much community feedback as I can on each major issue that comes before the board, and of course I will familiarize myself with facts relevant to the issue at hand. “I am always willing to ‘be convinced’ to compromise with someone else’s viewpoint, but one thing that I will not budge on is my responsibility as a steward of the property owner’s money.

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June 2016 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

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38 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

OPA board candidates From Page 36 “And yes, there were other contract options that could have been discussed and debated, but considering the makeup of the current board that would have been a waste of time.”

Pat Supik

COVER STORY

June 2016

“Nearing retirement from my position as Chief Financial Officer for a Baltimore health care organization, my husband and I began looking for a house near the beach. “After looking at many communities on the Eastern Shore and not finding exactly what we wanted, our daughter recommended we look at properties in Ocean Pines. “We did some research and were impressed that a “beach” home here gave us access to many pools, a golf course, recreational facilities, the yacht club and of course our own ocean beach. “We knew the community had been developed in the seventies and were delighted when we saw evidence of the community’s willingness to renovate, or replace facilities when necessary, including a new yacht club and improvements to the pools and tennis courts, improvements to the golf course, etc. “In addition to its own police department, public works, and parks and recreation departments significantly supplement those of the county for OP residents. “The amenities and support services offer residents a quality of life in Ocean Pines that cannot be matched in the Worcester county area. “The long term planning and funding necessary to support this standard of living is key to maintaining Ocean Pines as a premier place to reside. “As an Ocean Pines Board member, I would work to engage the board in long term thinking and the development and implementation of plans to continue

sound financial policies to ensure that the long term planning is effective. “My background is in finance as Chief Financial Officer of a health care organization. “In addition I have served on multiple boards as Board Treasurer including the condominium community in which we reside in Baltimore. “My broad leadership experience has given me the ability to work productively with a diverse group of people. “I was a participant in the Baltimore County Leadership program gaining valuable insight into the operation of a major political subdivision. “I have been on the Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee for three years, chair of that committee for the last two. “I am not only capable from an experience perspective but have the right temperament to consider all points of view and make decisions independent of any bias or personal agenda. “As chair of the Budget and Finance Advisory Committee, I worked to promote healthy discussion even when views were significantly different. “If I am elected to serve the residents of Ocean Pines as a Board member, I will evaluate each issue on its own merit. “It is the absolute responsibility of the Ocean Pines’ Board to determine the mission and vision for this community and effectively plan financially, including funding adequate reserves, for that vision to be a reality. “It is also the Board’s responsibility to take the necessary actions to implement those plans. “I will work to ensure that this Ocean Pines Board responsibility is fulfilled and this intent is the driving force in my willingness to be a candidate for a position on the Ocean Pines Board. “With proper board direction, we can ensure that the future of Ocean Pines as a premier waterfront community is always a reality.”

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Trendic criticizes Elections Committee for unilateral changes in procedure By TOM STAUSS Publisher oard of Directors candidate Slobodan Trendic is objecting to some unilateral changes in election procedures that he contends is being imposed on the 12 candidates running in this summer’s Ocean Pines Association election and he’s already had some success in restoring the status quo ante. The proposed changes might seem to the average OPA member as somewhat arcane, and relatively minor in import, but Trendic sees it differently. He regards the proposed changes as a continuation of high-handedness on the part of Election Committee chair Bill Wentworth that first manifested last summer in the committee’s candidates forum, during which Trendic contends Wentworth unilaterally cut closing statements from three minutes to one. Informational material given to candidates had advertised the prospect of a three-minute closing statement, but Wentworth announced the change at the outset of the forum, over Trendic’s objections. When Trendic again raised his objections prior to delivering his closing statement, Wentworth overruled him. Trendic raised the issue again after the forum. “He basically told me it was his meeting and he would run it as he saw fit,” Trendic said. Trendic’s prepared remarks were also butchered in one OPA publication sent out before the election last summer, over which the committee had oversight responsibility. One answer to a published question contained parts of another answer that had appeared elsewhere, omitting what he had submitted. Trendic, who placed a close third in last summer’s balloting, was not pleased. Later, the OPA apologized. More recently, Trendic noticed that the Elections Committee had eliminated a 200-word candidate statement that traditionally is sent out with election materials each summer. He said the unilateral change was included in the mailed candidates’ package, directly contradicting Board Resolution M-06 Paragraph 3(a)(3) that clearly states for the candidate to provide “no more than a 200 word statement” to be published with election materials sent to OPA members. Trendic said the action effectively amounted to the committee overruling a board resolution, which he said could only be done by vote of the directors. He sent a memo questioning the elimination of the 200-word statement to members of the current board, receiving immediate responses from directors Bill Cordwell and Tom Herrick. Cordwell wrote back that he believed it to be inappropriate for the board to be involved in any way with this summer’s election, while Herrick took the point of view that any unilateral repeal or contravention of a board resolution was a serious matter. He persuaded OPA President Pat Renaud that the committee’s action needed to be reversed. Renaud directed executive secretary Michelle Bennett in the general manager’s office to advise the committee and the candidates that they were still entitled to compose a 200-word statement that would be contained in election materials this summer. Trendic told the Progress that he found it somewhat odd that the notice had come from the general manager’s office, rather than the committee, but he said what’s most important is that the committee’s decision was rolled back. Since that matter was resolved, Trendic uncovered another example of a unilateral change in election procedures decided without notification to the board or the community. He said the committee has decided that candidate statements, heretofore published with ballot materials sent out by the OPA in addition to the summer edition of the Ocean Pines quarterly report – affectionately called Ocean Pines Pravda by tongue-in-cheek critics – this summer will be published only in the quarterly report. Trendic has written to the board recommending that if a decision must be made to use one or the other, the board should direct that the material be included in the ballot information rather than the quarterly report. “That’s the more appropriate venue,” he said, adding he saw no reason why the material couldn’t be contained in both publications. As this edition of the Progress went to press, this issue had not yet been addressed, but Trendic said he believed Herrick would work to see that it would be. Trendic also received an email from Wentworth contending that Trendic displayed yard signs prematurely. According to Wentworth, Trendic was supposed to wait until the candidates draw for ballot position June 9 before putting out signs. But Trendic advised Wentworth and other committee members that the committee’s own rules stipulate that signs can be displayed as early as June 1. A committee member other than Wentworth wrote back advising Trendic that he was correct. Given what he regards as a history of missteps by the committee, and a total lack of confidence in Wentworth as chairman, Trendic said he was calling for Wentworth’s replacement as chairman. He also said that to insure community confidence in the accuracy of the vote count this summer, candidates or their representatives should be allowed to witness the counting.

LIFESTYES Sunday, June 5 The Point Youth Dance, performance of Broadway musicals, Ocean Pines Yacht second floor, 1 p.m. Medley of treats, cupcakes, cookies and more. $20 adults and children ages 4 and up. Cash Bar. Tickets, call or text. 443-880-0930. Monday, June 6 AARP, monthly meeting, Ocean Pines Community Center, 9:30 a.m. social time, 10 a.m. meeting. Guest speaker: Kristy McIntyre, Maryland Access Point. Thursday, June 9 Ocean Pines Garden Tour, registration 9 a.m, luncheon 12:30 p.m., Ocean Pines Yacht Club. $10 Tour / $30 lunch and tour. Sponsored by the Ocean Pines Garden Club. Lunch choices include a crab cake slider with lettuce tomato and Old Bay tartar; strawberry-spinach salad with goat cheese, almonds and grilled chicken or a turkey wrap with lettuce, tomato, shaved red onion and Swiss. A chef’s-choice dessert and coffee, iced and hot tea. Cash bar. Pre-registration by June 4. Checks should be made payable to OPGC, mail check and menu choice to Linda Baker, 22 Teal Circle, Ocean Pines, MD 21811. 301-385-083. Candidate Draw, Ocean Pines Association, Board of Directors, drawing for ballot position, administration building board room, 3 p.m. Saturday, June 11 Worcester County Commission for Women “Suddenly Single” presentation, 9:15-11:15 a.m., Atlantic General Hospital 1st Floor Conference Room. Speaker: Diane Armstrong on “Empowering Yourself to Tame Worry and Anxiety.” Light refreshments. Registgration, Linda Gibbs, 410-641-6517, or email lindaknierim@yahoo.com by June 8. Ocean Pines Anglers Club, monthly meeting, 9:30 a.m., Ocean Pines Library. Guest speaker: Barry Cohen, vice flotilla commander and staff officer for public education for the Ocean City U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. All welcome. Bus trip to Washington Nationals game, departs Ocean Pines 8 a.m., arrives at Nats stadium prior to game time. $80 transportation and game ticket. Reservations required, 410-641-7052. Refunds will not be issued for cancelations unless vacant seats can be filled. Sunday, June 12 Pine Tones Chorus Spring Concert, 3 p.m., Community Church at Ocean Pines, Route 589 and Beauchamp Road, $10 per person. Information, Pat Beisler, chorus president, at 410-2082682. Monday, June 13 Friends of the Ocean Pines Library, membership meeting, 10a.m.

June 2016Ocean Pines PROGRESS

HAPPENINGS at the library. Guest speaker: Michael Franklin, president and CEO of Atlantic General Hospital and Health System. Overview of healthcare in the community and hospital’s initiatives. Refreshments 9:30 a.m. All are welcome. 410208-3032. Tuesday, June 14 Free screening of the Hallmark Channel original movie “Stranded in Paradise”, 8 p.m., White Horse Park, Ocean Pines. Free popcorn, drinks and prize. Hosted by Mediacom. Thursday, June 16 Annual Mediacom town hall meeting, with Mediacom representatives, 6 p.m., Ocean Pines Community Center. Members of the Mediacom team will be on hand to respond to questions and concerns from Ocean Pines subscribers. Questions and comments may be submitted by email to info@oceanpines.org, in person at the Ocean Pines Administration Building at 239 Ocean Parkway or mailed to Ocean Pines Marketing Department, 239 Ocean Pkwy., Ocean Pines, MD 21811. Saturday, June 18 Paws and Whiskers fundraiser, hosted by the Ocean Pines Farmers Market, to benefit Town Cats of Ocean City, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., White Horse Park. Variety of activities for pets and their owners including demonstrations, clinics, pet services, giveaways, vendors offering pet products. Bus trip to from Ocean Pines to Manhattan New York City, stops for breakfast and dinner, arriving 10:30 a.m., departing 6 p.m. $80 per person, transportation only. Registration, 410641-7052.

lunch, awards and silent auction at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. www. MaryMac.org.

and Delmarva Shredding and Recycling. Limit of six boxes for shredding per person. Monday –Thursday June 27-30 Ocean Pines Golf and Country Club’s junior golf camp, four sessions, online registration at oceanpinesgolf.org. Ages 5-14, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Also July 11-14, July 25-28 and Aug. 8-11. $125 per golfer per session, which includes lunch and snacks each day and a goody bag at the end of camp. Equipment will be provided, or participants may bring their own. 410-641-6057 or jmalinowski@oceanpinesgolf.org.

Saturday, Aug. 6 Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce 9th Annual Flounder Tournament, Pines Point Marina, weigh-in noon to 4 p.m., $35 per person / $30 two or more. Cash prizes plus calcutta. $500 first prize, $300 second prize, $100 third prize. Free t-shirt to the first 100 entries. Registrations by Friday, Aug. 5 at 3 p.m. Register online at OceanPinesChamber.org.

Thursday, July 14 Star Charities Annual Western Night, 4 p.m., Racetrack Clubhouse at The Casino at Ocean Downs. $26 per person. To benefit 4 Steps Therapeutic Riding Program. Emcee Larry Walton, live harness and simulcasting races, door prizes, 50/50 raffle and pictures with the winning horse of the PDR race. Seating limited. Reservations, Barbara Mazzei, 908-581-5553.

Sunday, Aug. 28 Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce Classic Car Show and Parade, parade begins at White Horse Park, 10 a.m., car show Veterans Memorial Park, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free. Vehicles of all makes and models. $12 per car pre-registration or $15 day of the event. Vendors, food, music and trophies. Free dash plaque to first 50 entries. 410-641-5306 or OceanPinesChamber.org.

Friday, Aug. 5 Fifth Annual Mary Mac Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament, 9 a.m. shotgun start, Ocean Pines golf course, $110 per golfer / $400 per foursome / $500 per foursome and hole sponsorship / $100 tee sign sponsorship. To benefit non-profit organizations. Includes continental breakfast and

Ongoing Ask a master gardener, clinic, every Tuesday, May through September, 1-4 p.m., Ocean Pines library. Offered by the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service. Master gardeners available.

Wednesday, June 22 Candidate forum, Ocean Pines Association, Board of Directors, annual election. Ocean Pines Community Center, 6 p.m. Twelve candidates for three seats on OPA board discussion qualification and issues. Hosted by the Ocean Pines Elections Committee. Friday, June 24 Ocean Pines Boat Club Raft-Up, 5 p.m., Ocean Pines Yacht Club day marker zrea. Sign-ups, Dave Landis, 410-6417330. Saturday, June 25 Board of Directors meeting, Ocean Pines Association, Ocean Pines Community Center, 9 a.m. Agenda, board packet posted on OPA Website a few days prior to meeting. General manager’s monthly report, public comments. AARP Maryland Community Shredding Day, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Ocean Pines Library. Canned goods for local food banks requested. Hosted by AARP

Expires 6-30-16

40 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

June 2016

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June 2016 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

Solutions remain elusive for more timely ambulance service to Cove

PenFed Realty cites top agents for 2015

Raymond M. Thompson, President and CEO of Calvin B. Taylor Bankshares, Inc. and Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company, has announced that the bank has opened its newest branch location in Worcester County It’s in the Ocean Landing Shopping complex, 11359 Samuel Bowen Blvd., and Route 50, about three miles from Ocean Pines. It replaces a branch outside Berlin located at Routes 50 and 346. The bank’s Ocean Pines branch remains open. “We are delighted with the appearance and enhanced functionality of our new branch. The building is tangible illustration of Taylor Bank’s continued commitment and investment in our community,” he said. The new location “will allow us to continue our mission to efficiently deliver outstanding products and services to our customers,” Thompson added. Calvin B. Taylor Bank is a community bank providing deposit and loan services to consumers and businesses through ten offices located in Worcester County, MD, and lower Sussex County, DE.

PenFed Realty’s Mid-Atlantic region recently held its Eastern Shore Sales Associate Appreciation Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, recognizing its top Realtors on the Eastern Shore in 2015. Honor Society award winners from the Ocean Pines office were Pam Brauns, Judy Froman, Mickey Lobb, Cindy Poremski, Sally Todd Stout , Jim Prete, and Sandy Van Fleet. The Leading Edge Society winner, from the Ocean City office, were Jim and Leslie White.

President’s Circle winners from the Ocean Pines office were Debbie Bennington and Sandy Galloway; and from the Salisbury/Captain’s Cove office, Cindy Welsh. The Sharyn O’Hare team in the Ocean Pines office, 15th in team CCI, won the 2015 Chairman’s Circle Gold award. The Linda Moran team, in the West Ocean City office, was 16th.

Directors seem unwilling to let county off the hook By Tom Stauss Publisher ounty supervisor Ron Wolff’s recent town meeting in Captain’s Cove aired various viewpoints on how to improve response times to emergency calls originating in Captain’s Cove, but so far there is little indication that a consensus has emerged how to

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pay for it. The debate has continued on the Cove’s on-line message board, with two Cove directors – Rosemary Hall and Dave Kieffer – offering insights. Some Cove residents are debating the merits of raising funds internally to help the county provide better ambulance service to the Cove through its Sprint service, which in its early days of operation seemed to perform reasonably well. In a recent post, Hall wondered how Accomack County was planning to deal with the fact that the Sprint service is falling short. “Why aren’t we holding them accountable if we are paying $1 million a year (in property taxes)?” she asked. In general, I believe that it is a state/county service and our current taxes should cover that (as they did a couple of years ago). Have there been any incidents where EMS/SPRINT service caused injury or death?” She expressed skepticism that the Cove would be very successful in trying to raise funds internally “to let the county off” of its obligation to provide the same level of service to Captain’s Cove as it does to other areas in the county. “My understanding was that the GBFD (Greenbackville Fire Department) gets money to provide services and when it could not, it was necessary to implement a system where Oak Hall and Chincoteague would help out (SPRINT),” she said. “If this is not working, then our action should be to insist that the county provide some solution, not start our own service. What is next, our own fire service, armed guards for public safety?” she added. She said the Cove property owners association is in no position to raise assessments to pay for improved ambulance service because of its disparate impact on owners of unimproved property in the Cove. They’re more of those than there are resident homeowners. “If the unimproved lot owners are asked to pay more fees for unimproved properties they do not live on, or even visit on occasion, what do think their reaction will be? I think I do,” she said. To Page 42

42 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Ambulance service

CAPTAIN’S COVE

June 2016

From Page 35 Kieffer agreed that an internal solution of raising fees on property owners is not likely to be well received by non-resident owners. Any dues increase “that would be necessary (to self-fund improved service) may be a deterrent to lot sales and would not “attract new buyers” to the Cove, he said. Kieffer said the only practical solution is for the county Board of Super-

visors to raise the county property tax to pay for the same level of ambulance service to all parts of the county. So far, there appears to be little indication that county supervisors are willing to do that. June 10 board meeting – An agenda has been posted on line for the June 10 meeting of the Cove board of directors, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in the Marina Club banquet room. The agenda appears mostly routine. Proposed expenditures, discussion of the ongoing budget process, and a roads

update are among agenda items. The last item on the agenda is a presentation by representatives from Commonwealth Engineering on grinder pump products for homes that will be transitioning away from the antiquated vacuum sewers in some areas of the Cove. Foreclosure auction – Lawyers for the Cove will be hosting the latest foreclosure auction of properties that are delinquent in paying lot assessments. The sale is schedule for Thursday, June 9, at the Marina Club’s banquet room,

site of previous auctions presided over by Virginia Beach law firm Pender and Coward. There were only 22 properties initially scheduled for sale, and some of those could drop off the list if owners take steps to pay what they owe. Sections 10 and 13 lead the pack with seven properties each on the list, with one or two lots in Sections 1, 2, 11, 12 and 15 to be sold. If there are no buyers for lots, the Cove POA will step up to acquire them, adding them to Cove-owned inventory.

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June 2016 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL ESTATE IN CAPTAIN’S COVE

June 9, 2015, 10 AM

To be held at the Marina Club in Captain’s Cove Subdivision 3323 Dock Court, Greenbackville, VA 23356 The following properties will be auctioned:

Section/Lot: 8-0021, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50300002100 Assessed Value: $5,500.00

Section/Lot: 10-0085, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A60200008500 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 15-0139, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A80200013900 Assessed Value: $900.00

Section/Lot: 9-0034, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50400003400 Assessed Value: $7,500.00

Section/Lot: 11-0100, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50100010000 Assessed Value: $7,500.00

Section/Lot: 17-0036, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A90200003600 Assessed Value: $900.00

Section/Lot: 9-0044, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50400004400 Assessed Value: $7,500.00

Section/Lot: 12-0155, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A70200015500 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 9-0181, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A50400018100 Assessed Value: $7,500.00

Section/Lot: 13-0027, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A70100002700 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 10-0004, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A60200000400 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 13-0080, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A70100008000 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 10-0016, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A60200001600 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 13-0144, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A70100014400 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 10-0021, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A60200002100 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 13-0194, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A70100019400 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 10-0024, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A60200002400 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 13-0241, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A70100024100 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 10-0063, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A60200006300 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 13-0254, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A70100025400 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

TERMS: Minimum Bids will be announced prior to the start of the auction on the date of sale. Announcements made at auction time take precedence over any print, electronic, or verbal information, including but not limited to the Minimum Bid. Successful bidder will be required to deposit with Trustee a deposit (non-refundable) in an amount equal to 10% of successful bid in cash or certified funds at time of sale, with the closing to occur within thirty days of the date of said sale. Written oneprice bids will be accepted for any of the properties pursuant to the terms set forth in Va. Code § 55-516. There is no warranty relating to right, title, interest, or the like in this disposition. Property is being sold pursuant to Va. Code § 55-516, and title will be conveyed pursuant to statute and subject to all liens or encumbrances as provided in said statute. All information for review by appointment only. Notwithstanding the Minimum Bids announced at the time of sale, the Trustee reserves the right to accept and/or reject all offers. Time is of the essence. Other conditions may be announced at the sale.

TRUSTEE:

Pender & Coward, P.C., 222 Central Park Ave., Virginia Beach, VA

Phone: (757) 490-6261

Email: capcove@pendercoward.com

Section/Lot: 10-0064, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A60200006400 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Section/Lot: 13-0285, Captain’s Cove Tax Map No. 005A70100028500 Assessed Value: $4,000.00

Ocean Pines PROGRESS June 2016

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OPINION

June 2016Ocean Pines PROGRESS

LETTERS Over-spending the source of board of board incivility

he headline in the last issue of the Progress [Life in the Pines] read: “A target on Thompson’s back? So it would seem.” Let’s get past the sensationalistic tone of that headline and address the issue in terms of the reality of the situation. The board is broken; the OPA should not and cannot continue to do business like this. And for the last couple of years the center of the contentiousness and controversy seems to be a single association employee, the general manager. This is the third consecutive election in which the GM is a campaign issue. That in itself speaks volumes as to why addressing this issue, from an employer/ employee perspective, must be a priority of the new board. In any business, in any corporation, in any government agency, an employee who is the center of strife and dissension, whether the cause or not, is dealt with as a personnel issue. Dealing with this personnel issue is Board 101. It is what a board is supposed to do, it is not placing “a target” on anyone’s back. It seems that some of the current candidates see no urgency in dealing with this issue, and other candidates may not even see this as an issue. I hope that neither is true because we certainly don’t need any more directors who are more concerned with their own personal agenda/vision and the personal agenda/vision of an employee than they are about the will of the property owners. Forget for a moment the issue of the GM; he wouldn’t even be an issue if he hadn’t been enabled by a board majority that seemed to rubber stamp every spending project that he proposed. Yes, over the years the GM may have burned some bridges behind him, but it was the uncompromising majority that gave him the matches. Why do I say that? Simply because the common denominator when it comes to the contentiousness and lack of board civility is spending, and without a board that supports questionable and/or unnecessary spending things would be a lot more peaceful. It is time to elect candidates who will represent the best financial interests of the property owners. The election before last gave us two ‘rein in the GM (ie spending)’ directors, who ran and won almost exclusively on that issue. Obviously, a desire to see the board address the spending issue was the will of the people. And quicker than paint dries, one of those directors totally reversed course, thus reneging on his campaign platform, and became a reliable member of the majority, a big-spending majority that was the very reason folks voted for those two directors in the first place.

To call this a flip-flop is an understatement, and if that director had remained true to his voters, the past two years may not have been so contentious. Instead he quickly was elected board president, and the 4-3 saga continues. And speaking of spending, many, many property owners, especially the year round residents, are totally disappointed with the new Yacht Club building, especially considering the almost $5 million of property owner money spent. As a member of the Clubs Advisory Committee, I made said property owner disappointment known to board liaisons O’Hare, Terry, and Cordwell. Two of those are current directors who now tell us that the $5 million is not enough; they feel that there is a need to purchase a ‘food truck’ (at substantial cost to the property owners) to service the Yacht Club veranda, a veranda that cannot have table seating due to county regulations! Many property owners feel that we were presented with a building which was primarily designed to be a banquet hall for outsiders, while the property owners, who paid for the building and subsidize it, got what seemed to be an afterthought. Even the “Final Yacht Club Report” posted on the OPA Web site seems to be telling the property owners “sure we coulda done some things better, and next time we will.” Next time, really? And by the way, let’s say you are one of the [too many] property owners who rarely, or never, patronize the “Cove”; why should you be concerned with the above? Well, you have already paid for the building, and most likely you will subsidize it year after year. It is in your best financial interest to be concerned with this, and all, spending issues. So why this commentary? I’m simply trying to illustrate why some candidates, including me, feel that as directors we will have a duty and obligation to the property owners to discuss and remedy the personnel issue at hand as soon as possible so that the board and administration can move on and conduct the people’s business. Folks, there is no “target”; those of us who see the urgency of this issue will give our general manager every consideration and courtesy. Speaking for myself, I recall what happened to the last GM - now there was a GM who seemed to have a target on his back - and I have no intention of conducting board business in that fashion. So, please, Mr. Stauss, spare those of us who see this personnel issue as a board priority the “target” comments. Steve Lind Ocean Pines Editor’s note: Steve Lind is one of 12 announced candidates for the OPA Board of Directors this summer.

GM’s proposed food druck purchase The following letter was addressed to the Board of Directors with a copy to the Progress: My letter is in reference to your recent 3-3 split vote on the purchase of a food truck. I do not intend to question your individual votes nor your decision to purchase or not to purchase a food truck. I am here to suggest that your votes are premature. You do not have the required quality information to make an informed business decision. Allow me to elaborate on this point. A food truck is a self-contained mobile food service. For those of you with corporate business experience, you should know you are actually voting on an entirely new LoB (line of business). This means a purchase of required capital equipment, staff hiring and training, food inventory and spoilage factors, required licenses, permits, health certificates, necessary insurance coverage, maintenance and repairs, etc. And, in order to properly track the performance of this new LoB, OPA management should make the necessary modification to the “chart of accounts.” By now, I hope I have convinced you that your voting is premature. So what is one to do next? Based on my business experience, the prerequisite for launching a new LoB is to undertake a “proof of concept.” Does the OPA management have the experience for such a complex effort? If not, you have another valuable option. Mr. Warren Rosenfeld is a member of our Ocean Pines Association. He owns a deli business and a food truck service. He has already made the necessary start-up investment and survived the learning curve period. So how about conducting a pilot program with Mr. Rosenfeld’s help? It is a simpler and faster effort compared to a “proof of concept.” You will need to instruct the OPA management to develop the required pilot scope and the evaluation criteria. I hope my comments offer a fresh perspective on how to handle Mr. Thompson’s request. His proposed acquisition of a food truck and then “learn as you go” approach is an example of bad management practice. Remember how much money OPA lost on his Java Café and the Yacht Club sandy beach ventures? Perhaps seven No votes are in order, then followed by a motion to undertake a pilot program. This will enable the collection of credible data and ability to provide answers to many important questions. Slobodan Trendic Ocean Pines Editor’s note: Slobodan Trendic is one of 12 announced candidates for the OPA Board of Directors this summer.

OPA in non-compliance with service charge regs

The Ocean Pines Association’s March 1, 2016, notice of “Current Assessments Due May 1” includes the admonition that a 1.67 percent service charge per month will be assessed on any unpaid balance. The ostensible basis for such a service charge is found in the Declaration of Restrictions for the Ocean Pines subdivision, with the exception of Section 16, senior living village. Said DRs read “if any such charge shall not be paid when due, it shall bear interest from the date of delinquency at the rate set by the Board of Directors at an open Board meeting in February of each year.” A review of minutes of the three open Board meetings in February of this year fails to reveal compliance with the quoted provision of the DRs. This omission deprives OPA of the ability to collect a service charge for delinquent payment of this year’s current assessments. Further, if OPA’s Board of Directors failed to comply with the DRs in this regard last year, or any year prior, the OPA has been overstating accounts receivable in its annual financial report by the amount of any unauthorized service charges it included. In addition, any attempt by the OPA to collect unauthorized service charges by legal action may have caused it to make false affidavits to the Court concerning its right to such service charges, which could have serious implications. George Coleburn Ocean Pines

Outrageous salary hikes for the general manager In 2010, the Ocean Pines Association general manager salary was $110,000 a year. Now, it’s $165,000 a year plus bonuses. I read in local papers that the general manager would prefer a 2 to 4 percent yearly salary increase rather than incentives. Truly the general manager should button up his shirt so his heart doesn’t fall out. Maybe back in 2010 he should have asked for a 2 to 4 percent raise? I blame members of the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors who have voted for these outrageous pay raises. I hope Ocean Pines property owners remember this when they vote. I won’t forget who voted for the pay raises and bonuses for amenities that lose money. I am all for Ocean Pines Public Works workers getting pay raises when warranted, but not the general manager for awhile. Michael Graves Ocean Pines

46 Ocean Pines PROGRESS

OPINION

June 2016

COMMENTARY

OPA vote count should be open to witnesses

t’s hardly a new idea but it’s one whose time has come. If ever there was an election in which the vote count needs independent oversight, preferably by representatives of the candidates, the candidates themselves, or even media representatives, this summer’s Ocean Pines Association balloting would be it. Let’s count the reasons. The election is likely to be close. With 12 candidates jockeying for votes, the spread between the top three candidates and the rest of the field probably won’t be large. There’s bound to be some hard feelings as various factions within Ocean Pines see their candidates win or lose. Whether justified or not, disgruntled backers will suspect the accuracy of the vote, perceiving that behind closed doors with no witnesses it’s possible that the vote count will be adjusted to favor a certain outcome. The Progress has no reason to believe, or proof that would settle the matter, that any real chicanery has occurred in various OPA elections over the years, but that sentiment is not universally held in Ocean Pines. Some people believe to this day that the Yacht Club vote several years ago was rigged, and not just in the way the choice was structured as a vote of an expensive new building, appallingly designed as it turned out to be, or retaining the failing old building to the end of time if the referendum failed. Some people believe the vote count itself was ﬂawed, because those who favored the referendum were involved in counting the votes.

To maintain the peace, given the stakes and the tensions in this summer’s balloting, as factions contend with one another for representation on the board, the OPA should go out of its way to ensure that the election results are accepted without equivocation by all segments of Ocean Pines. The only way to ensure that is to allow witnesses from the candidates or the media (or any OPA member who wants to witness the counting) to watch as the committee does its work. Community comity demands it. Another reason to allow witnesses is that it would comply with the spirit and the letter of the Maryland Homeowners Act that requires that homeowner association committee meetings to be open to the membership. The Election Committee is a duly constituted committee of the OPA, no different from any other committee active in Ocean Pines except that it counts ballots and engages in other activities leading up to the voting. The committee and those who support the closeddoor counting of ballots try to justify it by arguing, risibly, that the election and the vote counting is a “personnel matter” that the HOA Act cites as a reason for a closed meeting. No it isn’t; a personnel matter involves employees who are paid to work for the HOA and whose situations and details of employment include some expectation of privacy. Not so with OPA board elections. These are highly public, visible, volunteer positions setting policy for the OPA. Nothing at all is gained, nothing is protected, by counting ballots in secret.

No doubt the Elections Committee will continue to resist an accountable vote count this year as they have previously. But the committee has hardly covered itself in glory already this year in some high-handed maneuvers early in the season, caught in the act of circumventing or defacto repealing a board resolution giving candidates the right to a 200-word statement to be included in election materials to be mailed out to OPA members. Candidate Slobodan Trendic brought this matter to the attention of the board, and it’s good that he did. This circumvention of precedent and a board resolution has been reversed with the timely intervention of Director Tom Herrick, with an assist by OPA President Pat Renaud, but the committee continues to attempt to make changes in election procedures without justification and no public disclosure. The committee apparently has decided to exclude candidate statements from the ballots materials that are sent to voters, in favor of including them only in the OPA quarterly newsletter mailed out in the summer. Previously, both publications contained the materials, as a way of increasing the chances that the material will actually be read prior to voting. The newsletter, or Ocean Pines Pravda as we have affectionately called it over the decades, no doubt has its readership but if a choice must be made – and there’s no reason it should – common sense would suggest that ballot materials would be the more appropriate place for candidate statements. That’s been the norm since the earliest days of Ocean Pines and

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The Ocean Pines Progress, a journal of news and commentary, is published monthly throughout the year. It is circulated in Ocean Pines, Berlin, Ocean City, and Captain’s Cove, Va. Letters and other editorial submissions: Please submit via email only. Letters should be original and exclusive to the Progress. Include phone number for verification. 127 Nottingham Lane Ocean Pines, MD 21811

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OPINION

June 2016Ocean Pines PROGRESS

A few questions for an OPA community survey

cean Pines Association President Pat Renaud recently delivered some marching orders to the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee on the development of a community-wide survey that will be used by the Board of Directors to help it devise a new comprehensive improvement plan for Ocean Pines and by the committee to help it update the community’s comprehensive plan. Rather than assess current attitudes about Ocean Pines, Renaud said the board wants the survey to focus on questions that attempt to answer questions about the future of Ocean Pines. Committee chair Frank Daly invited OPA members to send suggested questions to him or other committee members. Their email addresses are listed under committees on the OPA Web site. Here is a list of questions from Life in the Pines: Golf Course 1. The Ocean Pines golf course lost roughly $115,000 in operations last year and OPA members contributed another $400,000 or so to OPA reserves in golf-related depreciation out of their annual assessments. Given the annual cost of golf to members in excess of a half million dollars, and household memberships that hover just above 100 out of 8400-plus properties in Ocean Pines, should the OPA continue to operate a golf course, either through in-house or contract management? 2. Should the OPA sell or lease out the golf course to a private group (with the proviso that the golf course is deed-

Commentary From Page 46

there is no reason to change it. Certainly the Elections Committee hasn’t proffered one to date. The committee chairman also violated the committee’s own published criteria by sniping at Trendic for displaying yard signs on the approved start date of June 1. According to the chairman, who apparently didn’t read his own guidelines, signs weren’t supposed to be posted until June 9, the day of the drawing for ballot positioning. If this seemingly minor detail is so easy to miss, what else will the chairman and committee screw up in this election cycle? Given these early examples of high handedness – there will be more, count on it, as the committee has yet to reveal its procedures for the candidates forum it hosts every summer – candidates can be forgiven for feeling less than confident in the way the Election Committee will handle this summer’s voting. The Board of Directors can and should act to open up the vote to monitoring. It only takes one director to propose, and then the rest can either fall in line or be part of the problem. – Tom Stauss

space. Does such a building make sense to you or would you prefer that the OPA use existing assets (Community Center, An excursion through the curious cul-de-sacs An excursion through theby-ways curious and by-ways and cul-de-sacs Country Club, etc.) for meeting space to of Worcester County’s County’s most densely community. of Worcester mostpopulated densely populated community. the extent it is needed, with the administration building remaining as is for the By TOM STAUSS/ By TOM Publisher STAUSS/Publisher foreseeable future (with the possible exception of an expanded police station)? restricted to golf and any sale or lease provement plan unveiled last fall, Genincludes a reversion clause to the OPA eral Manager Bob Thompson included Reserve funding in the event that a privately owned or a proposal for a new $3 million-plus There are two schools of thought with leased golf course is not viable)? aquatics center, to be built sometime respect to how the OPA uses its reserve 3. Should the OPA make a “free” af- after 2020. After years of losses, Aquat- funds and to what degree they should be ternoon golf membership available to ics achieved near-break-even status in funded at what is called “annual compoall Ocean Pines property owners and 2015-16. Do you generally support or nent cost” or at a roughly $14-$15 milresidents, with the understanding that oppose the idea of the OPA building a lion reserve balance. all property owners and residents pay new indoor pool complex somewhere in With the reserve balance at $5.7 milthe going rate (or perhaps a slightly re- area of the Sports Core pool or Veterans lion at the end of April 2016, with anduced rate) for cart rentals? Memorial Park? other $4 million contribution in assess4. Should the OPA eliminate all golf ments to be recorded on the books May memberships in Ocean Pines, turn- Yacht Club 1, clearly an assessment increase or ing the amenity into a fee-based-only 1. The Yacht Club earned in excess increases would be necessary to finance amenity? of $300,000 during the warmer months the reserves at the “annual component 5. With half of the 18 holes on the of 2015-16, only to begin losing that cost”. Another school of thought says the Ocean Pines golf course rebuilt with surplus in the colder months, finally annual component is an unimportant new drainage and irrigation infrastruc- losing about $75,000 in 2015-16. Would number and that the reserves should be ture, should the OPA complete the re- you support closing the Yacht Club over funded at roughly the same rate as exmaining nine holes? the winter if it meant achieving at least penditures are transferred out of them break-even status for this amenity for each year (sometimes called cash-flow Country Club the year? financing). This method conceivably 1. A five-year old engineering study would keep assessments at roughly the of the Ocean Pines Country Club said Public safety building same level (or lower) that they are now. that while the building structure was 1. Although not included in his draft In general, which method would you fundamentally sound, all major HVAC, Capital Improvement Plan, the OPA prefer that the OPA employ, “annual electrical and plumbing systems are in general manager has proposed a new component cost” or cash-flow financing? need of replacement. Keeping in mind public safety building on OPA-owned that the study will need to be updated, land in front of the post office and liThis list happens to be ten questions, do you generally prefer substantial ren- brary, on Route 589. The building would hitting many of the major issues facing ovation or total replacement as the best contain a new police station, Southside Ocean Pines at present. approach going forward? firehouse, emergency operations center, If the OPA is interested in asking and OPA administrative offices, with questions that actually produce answers Aquatics the current administration building in that will help to resolve these issues, 1. In his draft comprehensive im- White Horse Park turned into meeting this list might be a place to start.

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