June 2017
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THE OCEAN PINES JOURNAL OF NEWS & COMMENTARY COVER STORY
Bosack resignation roils board; majority supports Hill continuing to serve as acting general manager Jacobs, Trendic fall short in ouster bid for second consecutive month By TOM STAUSS Publisher he sudden resignation last month of Director of Finance Mary Bosack after only a few months on the job as the successor to long-time Ocean Pines Association Controller Art Carmine has led to a serious breach among members of the Board of Directors and no definitive consensus on why she left. The vacancy created by her abrupt departure was quickly filled by John Viola, an Ocean Pines resident and chair of the Budget and Finance Advisory Committee, who had been a finalist among the applicants for Carmine’s position. He was appointed by Acting General Manager Brett Hill within a few days of Bosack’s decision to leave. By some accounts, Bosack decided to resign without the customary notice after delivering a defacto ultimatum: Either the board remove Hill as acting general manager and her immediate supervisor or she would leave her $130,000 year job as the OPA’s chief financial officer. A meeting between her, OPA President Tom Herrick and OPA Treasurer Pat Supik in which she reportedly made her case for why they should choose her over Hill resulted in his favor. Her resignation occurred a week after her meeting with Herrick and Supik. Director and OPA Vice-President Dave Stevens joined Herrick and Supik in supporting Hill remaining in his unpaid role as the acting general manager until such time as the board hires a new general manager, expected sometime this July or August. Director Doug Parks, who is running for a three-year term on the board of directors in this summer’s annual board election, also in the end backed Hill. In a special meeting called for May 23 to discuss the circumstances of Bosack’s resignation, directors Slobodan Trendic and Cheryl Jacobs defended Bosack and were in favor of removing Hill as acting general manager. Both directors had wanted to go into a closed session in April for a discussion
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of other management actions by Hill that both felt could have justified his removal as acting general manager. That effort fizzled, however, with other directors unwilling to even discuss possible grounds for removing Hill as acting general manager in a closed meeting. At the time, Hill said he wanted any such discussion to be held in an open meeting so he could defend himself against any untrue allegations. In what was an obvious protest of the board majority’s decision to Acting General retain Hill, both Jacobs and Trendic Manager Brett Hill were absent from the board’s regular meeting the following day, May 24. Neither had communicated their intentions not to attend the meeting to Herrick or any other OPA official. Trendic, the board secretary, later confirmed that his absence was his way of making it clear he was very unhappy with the majority’s decision to keep Hill in his acting role. He did not dispute a reporter’s inference that Jacobs intended to send a similar message to her colleagues and the Ocean Pines community that she was acting in solidarity with Bosack and in opposition to Hill and the board majority in support of him. Trendic said under instruction of legal counsel and agreement of the board, he could not discuss the contents of the closed meeting in which Bosack’s situation was discussed. It To Page 37
Stevens, Herrick downplay possibility that security cameras violated state law Page 30
Hill still pursuing Swim & Racquet beer and wine license
The Aquatics Advisory Committee recently voted to oppose a beer and wine license for the Swim and Racquet Club this summer, taking the position that there is no need for one given a recent board decision not to proceed with adults-only swimming on Sundays at that facility, But Acting General Manager Brett Hill may not be quite ready to abandon the idea.
~ Page 11
Bulk purchasing leads to chink in supply chain
One of Acting General Manager Brett Hill’s management innovations in the 2017-18 budget year, bulk purchasing, had avoided incoming chaff from critics, until his June 1 town meeting. A resident said she had recently experienced something that she never expected to encounter at a golf course, specifically the Terns Grille, the lower level restaurant venue at the Country Club designed primarily to serve golfers. “They ran out of draft beer,” she told Hill, adding that there have been other shortages as well, with the grill occasionally running out of staples like French fries or chicken patties.
~ Page 14
Capital improvement plan process making progress, Stevens says
Ocean Pines Association Director Dave Stevens reports incremental progress on the path of drafting a draft of a new capital improvement plan for the OPA. Stevens said that OPA Treasurer Pat Supik has been making progress in bringing up-to-date last year’s reserve study by DMA Consulting, while he has been working on coming up with a list of future projects. Once last year’s reserve study is scrubbed of outdated or already completed projects, Stevens said his to-do list can be turned over to DMA, which then can produce an updated report that will constitute a new and improved capital improvement plan.
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June 2017
June 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
OCEAN PINES BRIEFS
Club membership off to solid start
Acting General Manager Brett Hill is pleased with the level of club amenity memberships purchased through the first month of the 2017-18 fiscal year that began May 1. At his June 1 town meeting, held on the upper level of the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, Hill highlighted elements of what he touted as a good start to the membership year. Including all amenities, membership revenues were $702,203 through the end of May this year, compared to $673,496 for the same time last year Beach Club parking has generated $356,885 through May 30 of this year, compared to $295,640 a year ago. Hill didn’t say whether the revenue increase resulted from the $25 increase in fees this year, more people buying the passes, or a combination of both. He said that the total of golf memberships sold through the end of May this year was 122, compared to 119 a year ago. Golf dues were lowered by the board this year in the hopes of stimulating membership growth. While a modest increase, the numbers suggest some small degree of success, he said. Racquet sports – tennis, platform and pickleball – have generated 175 members in total through May, compared to 166 a year ago. Pickleball, in the news in recent
months because of opposition to new drop-in fees for indoor pickleball play at the Community Center gymnasium, has had an increase in memberships. Through May 31, there were 54 pickleball memberships sold, in addition to nine combined memberships for all three racquet sports, Hill said, for a total of 63. Last year through May, there were 43 property-owner or resident memberships sold in addition to two associate memberships, for a total of 45. “That’s about a 50 percent increase,” Hill said, defying predictions by some pickleball club members that memberships would drop because of opposition to the new drop-in fees. While drop-in play reportedly is very low at the gym, even on rainy days, pickleball players seem to be very happy with the eight new pickleball courts that just opened for play at the Manklin Meadows recreational complex in South Ocean Pines. Hill predicted that pickleball membership will continue to grow when even more residents and property owners learn about the new courts. Hill said that aquatics membership is down year-over-year through the end of May, but he said that had been anticipated, as some former members are purchasing the new $125 debit cards that
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give them access to all five OPA swimming pools. Once $125 in value in the cards are used up, the card holder can replenish the card for additional pool visits. Because the aquatics department is capturing a greater share of Beach Club parking pass revenue in 2017-18 with the $25 increase, Hill said he expects that over all aquatics membership and revenue will show an increase this year. “The net effect (of structural changes in aquatics) will be positive even though there will be a membership drop,” he said. Most memberships in aquatics, golf, racquet sports and Beach Club parking traditionally are sold in the April through June period, which means that a clearer picture of membership for the year will emerge with the June numbers.
Chief Massey thrilled with expansion plans
The planned expansion of the Ocean Pines Police Department inside the existing footprint of the Administration Building this fall from 1700 to 4200 square foot has Chief of Police Dave Massey “excited” about the operational and safety improvements the expansion will enable. At Acting General Manager Brett Hill’s June 1 town meeting, Massey thanked Hill and the Board of Directors for approving the expansion, which will begin in the fall once the Public Works Department completes major renovations of the upper level of the Country Club over the summer. In a brief presentation at the town meeting, Massey cited Ocean Pines’ designation by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 25 safest communities in the nation for its low violent crime rates. “We’re safe, but we shouldn’t become complacent,” he said, noting that 100
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unlocked cars were broken into this past year. He advised residents to remember that “it’s not the 1950s and 1960s” anymore when residents can leave homes and vehicles unlocked. Massey said statistics for the past year indicated that the department responded to 447 medical calls and 12,332 service calls, while making 143 arrests. The department is staffed with four dispatchers and 16 sworn officers. Hill said the OPPD’s work load has doubled in 15 years, with only one more sworn officer employed by the department during that time.
Phillips touts success of junior lifeguard program
The Ocean Pines Association’s aquatics department has had a junior lifeguard program for some time, but just recently it reached a significant milestone, Aquatics and Recreation Director Colby Phillips disclosed at Acting General Manager Brett Hill’s June 1 town meeting. She announced that the junior program has had its first participant join the Ocean Pines’ lifeguard team, a 15-year-old, who made it through the program’s three levels to qualify for a job working for the OPA. She cited recent aquatics-related capital purchases that have been a hit: aquabikes, aqua treadmills and aqua trampolines, similar to their land-based cousins except they give users a better work-out in a swimming pool because of the greater resistance. She urged residents to take advantage of Ocean Pines pools by reserving them for private parties after normal operating hours. Phillips, whose management portfolio includes oversight of the Parks and Recreation Department, praised recreation manager Debbie Donahue for onsite supervision of the department. One popular program, family fun night at the Yacht Club “Oasis” pool on Wednesdays beginning June 21, was initiated
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OCEAN PINES
From Page 5 by and continues to be a Recreation Department event, working with Aquatics, Phillips said. Her management responsibility also includes oversight of racquet sports. Phillips announced that Erin Starr started in May as the OPA’s on-site supervisor of the tennis, platform tennis and new pickleball courts and events at the Manklin Creek Recreation complex. Hill praised Phillips for her role in helping ensure that the OPA offers plenty of activities for OPA members of all ages.
Malinowski gratified by positive feedback
Ocean Pines Director of Golf John Malinowski told OPA members attending a June 1 town meeting that he was gratified that a prominent online golf course rating site, Golf Advisor, has given the Ocean Pines Robert Trent Jones golf high marks for quality over the past 12 months. Malinowski said that over the past six months, 100 percent of golfers who rated the Ocean Pines golf recommended it to other golfers, a percentage that dropped only modestly to 93 percent for the past year. He said that downstairs improvements to locker rooms, bathrooms and
OCEAN PINES the expansion and renovation of the Tern Grille have been well received and that he is looking forward to the next phase, a total renovation of the upstairs to include space for small banquets and community meeting rooms. He cited slight membership increases through May while non-member rounds continue to be a significant source of revenue and play. New golf carts arrived earlier this year during a snow storm, he said, but have also been well received by members and non-members alike He called course conditions “fantastic” and that the golf course maintenance staff have taken steps to beautify the course, with new flower beds and other improvements.
Marina store opens, to serve nearby pool
Acting General Manager Brett Hill has announced the opening of the Yacht Club’s marina store overlooking the harbor. He said that Ocean Pines Food and Beverage Manager Brian Townsend, along with Harbormaster Ron Fisher and the Public Works Department, worked to get the store ready for the season. Open every day at 6 a.m., the store sells bait and tackle and other fishing supplies, as well as carry-out breakfast and lunch food and drinks. Because of its close proximity to the family-oriented Mumford’s Landing
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pool, Hill said that the store will be supplying food service to that pool this summer using a beverage cart decommissioned from the Ocean Pines golf course. Townsend and Aquatics Director Colby Phillips will be coordinating that activity, a follow-up on last summer’s successful program initiated by Phillips that brought in pre-ordered food from Chic-fil-A in West Ocean City to the Mumford’s pool. In brief remarks to OPA members at Hill’s June 1 town meeting, Townsend cited several initiatives already under way at some of the venues he oversees. He said that his department provides catering services for pool parties, the Beach Club is offering both lunch and dinner service, and the Tern Grille is offering live entertainment on some Friday evenings.
Residents bipolar about phragmites, Hill suggests
He didn’t actually use the word bipolar to describe Ocean Pines residents, but Acting General Manager Brett Hill said there are differing opinions among Ocean Pines waterfront homeowners about the merits or lack thereof of phragmites, the invasive, tough-to-eradicate plant life that abounds in some areas of Ocean Pines, especially creekfront sections that aren’t bulkheaded. Hill, during his June 1 town meeting, said that the Public Works Department
er m m u S
is doing its best to contain and control the invasive species, which he said some homeowners actually like because they say phragmites do a good job of providing privacy from the neighbors next door. “Some people want them,” he said, so it comes down to case-by-case decisions on “when to spray and when not to.” With respect to Ocean Pines’ 12 miles of bulkheaded canals, Hill said work is continuing on development of a new bulkhead replacement program. In the meantime, the OPA has hired Hi-Tide Marine for emergency stop-gap repairs, Hill said, which he said will be responded to quickly once complaints are filed with the Public Works department. To one bomeowner who complained about sinkholes behind his bulkhead, Hill said that will require bulkhead replacement to be done after the summer season, by a major marine contractor, rather than a quick fix.
Beach wheelchairs added at Beach Club
Handicapped individuals in Ocean Pines who may have foregone visits to the beach because of difficulties in traversing the sand now have an alternative: wheelchairs customized for use on the beach. Acting General Manager Brett Hill told OPA members at his June 1 town
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OCEAN PINES By TOM STAUSS Publisher cean Pines Association management is all in on a proposal to add a small room about 1,000 square feet in size to the Sports Core pool in the fall, abandoning earlier plans to begin work on the project this summer. Also abandoned is a more grandiose plan to expand the existing enclosure westward towards the library. Acting General Manager Brett Hill told the Progress recently that because the OPA Public Works and facilities’ staff have been busy with other projects, particularly renovations to the Ocean Pines Beach Club and the Country Club’s lower level, they have been unable to devote the time needed to draw
O
OCEAN PINES BRIEFS From Page 6 meeting that for the first time this summer, the OPA will offer the wheelchairs to anyone free with a Beach Club parking pass. Two wheelchairs will be available from the parking attendants at the oceanfront amenity in Ocean City.
Board approves updated OPA employee manual
Before her abrupt resignation as the OPA’s new director of finance, Mary Bo-
June 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
Hill pushes off Sports Core room addition to the fall Acting general manager accepts staff, committee recommendation to proceed with less costly option up plans for the small room addition or begin work on construction, as initially had been the plan. Public Works will be moving ahead with renovation of the Country Club’s second floor this summer, a major project that already has slipped a few weeks behind schedule, Hill said. “There’s just no way we can get to it sack spent considerable time working on something that might seem to have more to do with human resource management than finances. She updated an ancient OPA employee handbook that the Board of Directors, without much comment, approved during the board’s regular meeting in May. There doesn’t appear to be any substantive changes in the handbook, according to Acting General Manager Brett Hill, and it was not clear if any of the directors took the time to review it before approving it.
(the Sports Core room) this summer, unfortunately,” he said, which means that Aquatics Director Colby Phillips and her staff will be unable to begin an after-school program in the fall as initially hoped. “But we should have it ready for the second half of the school year,” Hill added. The acting general manager, or perhaps a new general manager if he or she is hired within the next couple of months, will still need board approval to proceed with the smaller and less expensive of the two Sports Core options. At Hill’s town meeting June 1 at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, during a summary of the OPA’s Aquatics program, the acting general manager presented the room option as more or less a fait accompli, not even mentioning the possibility of expanding the existing enclosure. Back in April, several directors had asked him to present documentation on both options in order to better under-
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stand what might be lost if the larger project was abandoned. Hill did not present any of that documentation at the board’s regular meeting in May, and by his town meeting in early June, it appeared that he was not particularly anxious to do so. Both Phillips and the Aquatics Advisory Committee are strongly on board with proceeding as quickly as possible with the small room option, because it meets the needs of the Aquatics Department first identified last fall. Those needs includes space for parties, training lifeguards, and an after school program that Phillips and staff are anxious to launch. At the directors’ April 24 work session, Hill had advised the board that the Aquatics staff would like to go back to the original plan for a smaller room roughly 25 by 40 feet in size, a little more than 1,000 square feet. The staff made that recommendation because expansion of the existing enclosure structure by more than 3,000 square feet would cost almost twice the $225,000 in the capital budget for 2017-18, Hill said. It was the acting general manager who upgraded Phillips’s original plan for a small annex into a more elaborate expansion that turned out to cost in excess of $400,000. That cost turned PhilTo Page 9
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Sports Core From Page 7 lips against it, as she prefers capital expenditures that can pay back the investment within a reasonable period of time. For instance, Aqua-bikes purchased at the behest of her department paid back the original investment within three months of their arrival, through revenues generated by very popular classes. Hill said the smaller room would still be able to accommodate after-school programs, parties and lifeguard training sessions as originally proposed. He later added that storage of new aquatics equipment would continue around the perimeter of the pool, rather than in the larger expansion area. Some storage could also be accommodated in attic space above the room addition. Hill asked the board for a consensus on the smaller room, with the expectation that he would be able to deliver at least three quotes on the build-out of the room at the board’s May meeting. That consensus was not evident at the board’s April meeting. Trendic was one director unwilling to immediately accept the staff recommendation to return to the smaller room. He wanted to know what the OPA “would be compromising” by abandoning the larger expansion, telling Hill that he should come back to the board with “the differences in scope” between the two alternatives.
After Director Doug Parks echoed Trendic by saying he wanted more “tangible information” to help make an informed decision, Hill responded that the larger expansion would make it possible to expand the pool in the future. He also said it would it easier to store some new pool equipment. But he said the smaller room off to the side of the enclosure would meet the “original desired need” taking into account some “attic space” that could be added to it. Trendic said he would have liked to hear the Aquatics Advisory Committee’s take on the issue before deciding how to proceed. “Maybe (the proposed expansion) needs to evaluated and rebudgeted at the higher cost,” he said. Trendic attended a subsequent meeting of the committee in which the smaller room addition was discussed. Shortly thereafter, the committee formally voted in an online poll to advise the board that it was in full support of the small room as opposed to the larger expansion. Director Pat Supik also questioned the smaller room addition, after which Hill told his board colleagues if they weren’t prepared to vote to authorize him to seek bids on a new room addition, the project would have to be “pushed back” to the summer of 2018. He later amended that more draconian prediction by saying it could begin in the fall
with completion sometime around the first of the new year. Pines resident Gary Miller, a member of the aquatics committee, suggested that the board talk with Phillips and the panel before making a decision on which option to pursue. In a recent e-mail to the Progress, Phillips said her department was abandoning the larger expansion project because “Aquatics isn’t looking to go that far into debt again, which is why we are looking at a single room rather than pushing the current structure out. We need more space and need the room to
accommodate our needs but want to do it at a cost we can hopefully ‘recoup’ in a few years,” she said. “In that room we will host private parties, training and an after-school aquatics program. Funds (will be) going to aquatics as the programs will be run by aquatics staff and programs will be kids’ water aerobics, kids’ aqua trampoline and swim lessons, amongst other things,” she said. Private parties, lessons and after-school programs are all fee-based and would generate revenue that over time would cover the construction cost.
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Star Charities fund-raiser
Star Charities held a fundraiser at Carabbas recently to support the Girl Scouts which brought in $700. On April 7 in the Ocean Pines Library, a check for the proceeds was donated. Pictured (left to right) are Worcester County Leader of Troop #608 Beverly Meadows, Director of Development Communications and Service Center for the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Denise Eberspeaker, Secretary of Star Charities Sue Walter, President of Star Charities Anna Foultz, Volunteer Coordinator for Believe in Tomorrow in Ocean City Susan Blaney, and Star Charities Volunteer Mary Evans. The charity’s next benefit is an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch at the Sunset Grille in West Ocean City Sunday, June 11, beginning at 2 p.m. The cost is $15 per person. The event includes a 50-50 raffle and face painting for kids.
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OCEAN PINES
Hill still pursuing Swim and Racquet beer and wine license Aquatics Committee recommends against changing ‘family-oriented’ character of community pool
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conversation that the zero stepped entry at the Yacht Club’s Oasis pool is ideal for younger children, as proven at popular Family Fun Night events, while the shallow end at the Swim and Racquet Club is still too deep for them. “My kids are at an age where they really can’t enjoy Swim and Racquet,” he said, “so we don’t go there.” He also said he wasn’t a fan of the splash pad there, suggesting that a new baby pool should be “added back” to the amenity
next year. Advocates for retaining adults-only pool usage at the Yacht Club argue that the stepped entry there is ideal for less mobile senior citizens, while the portable steps at Swim and Racquet are difficult for older people to navigate. Neither Herrick nor Hill have presented the possibility of swapping the roles of these pools to the aquatics committee for a discussion and recommendation.
Back in April, two OPA directors questioned the decision by Hill to seek a beer and wine license for the Swim and Racquet Club pool this summer. During a board work session April 24, directors Slobodan Trendic and Cheryl Jacobs said Hill should have obtained more feedback from the community before unilaterally making the decision to seek the beer and wine license. The application was originally
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By TOM STAUSS Publisher hile the Aquatics Advisory Committee recently voted to oppose a beer and wine license for the Swim and Racquet Club this summer, taking the position that there is no need for one given a recent board decision not to proceed with adults-only swimming on Sundays at that facility, Acting General Manager Brett Hill may not be quite ready to abandon the idea. He told the Progress recently that the OPA’s application for a county beer and wine license for the amenity was postponed from the licensing board’s May meeting because of an error in the facility’s classification. He said he was still planning to proceed with the request at the licensing board’s June meeting, with a change in the request from a Class C commercial license to a Class B private club license, identical to the one in force at the OPA’s Beach Club in Ocean City. Hill said that if the request for a Class B beer and wine license is approved by the licensing board, he would bring the issue of beer and wine sales at Swim and Racquet to the board for discussion. Even if no decision is forthcoming to sell beer and wine at the amenity this summer as a general practice, there may be specific occasions, such as private parties or special events, when such sales could occur, he said. The aquatics committee in its midMay meeting opted to oppose the sales, largely because the original Sunday adults-only set-aside has been abandoned. But Committee chair Kathy Grimes, a former professional pool manager in Ocean City, said during the committee’s May meeting that alcohol and kids don’t mix well and that she didn’t like the idea of beer and wine sales there “for safety reasons.” She said that for private parties or special occasions, exceptions could be made. Committee members noted that the Swim and Racquet Club pool, with the addition of a splash pad for toddlers two years ago, is very family-oriented. Hill and OPA President Tom Herrick have said that the Swim and Racquet Club pool, which is the only outdoor pool in Ocean Pines with a deep end, might actually be more suited as an adults-only pool in Ocean Pines than the Yacht Club’s Oasis pool, which has had that designation since the 1970s. But neither seem prepared to change the character of either pool this summer, knowing full well what a pitched battle that would trigger among those who fervently hold to the proposition that the Oasis pool should remain adults-only, except for Wednesday family fun night and family swimming on late Monday afternoons. Swapping the roles for these two pools has not been addressed by the Board of Directors in open session. Hill recently told the Progress in a private
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12 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
OCEAN PINES
June 2017
Beer and wine license
From Page 11 conceived as a way to help foster an adults-only swim period at the Swim and Racquet Club pool on Sunday afternoons this summer. But that adults-only event has been cancelled in the reshuffling of pool schedules related to the restoration of a Family Fun Night at the Yacht Club’s Oasis pool on Wednesday evenings this summer, beginning June 21. Hill’s announced intentions had been to schedule Family Fun Night at the Yacht Club pool this summer on Sunday nights, shifting adults-only swimming to the Swim and Racquet Club from 1-8 p.m Sundays.
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With Sunday adults-only swimming no longer in the cards for Swim and Racquet, there perhaps is less of a rationale for a beer and wine license than there was previously. But during the April 24 work session, Hill offered no comment about his intentions but said the application for a license is pending. Trendic opened the discussion by telling his colleagues that “before something this occurs, I would like to see the Aquatics (Advisory) Committee involved. Does it make sense?” He said a decision of this magnitude should not be made by one individual, the acting general manager, but by the board after consulting with the aquatics committee.
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June 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
13
Patriots
Several of the members of the Republican Women of Worcester County recently enjoyed an afternoon of painting at the TC Studio in Ocean City, just in time for Memorial Day.
Cathell donation
The Atlantic General Hospital Campaign for the Future recently received a donation of $10,000 from Dale and Charlotte Kerbin Cathell of Ocean Pines for upcoming projects including the new John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center. The Cathells, both natives of Worcester County, have been long-time supporters of the Berlin hospital. From left: Michelle Fager, Campaign for the Future co-chair, AGH Foundation Board of Directors secretary; Todd Ferrante, AGH Foundation board chair; Lou Taylor, AGH Board of Trustees chair, Taylor Bank Board of Directors member; Charlotte Kerbin Cathell, AGH Board of Trustees member, Taylor Bank Board of Directors member; Dale Cathell; JacK Burbage, Campaign for the Future co-chair; Toni Keiser, vice-president public relations, Atlantic General Hospital; Christopher Hoen, AGH Foundation Board vice-president.
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14 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
OCEAN PINES
June 2017
Bulk purchasing results in chink in food, beverage supply chain Hill says he was unaware of the problem but vows to do something about it By TOM STAUSS Publisher n recent months, there has been pushback against Acting General Manager Brett Hill’s 20 percent reduction in food and beverage tabs throughout the Ocean Pines Association’s restaurant venues. The concern is that, especially in the peak season, the give-back program will substantially reduce revenues per check without increasing the volume that would offset those losses. Another of Hill’s management innovations in the 2017-18 budget year, bulk purchasing, had avoided incoming chaff from critics, until his June 1 town meeting. Now it, too, is coming in for some critical scrutiny. A resident said she had recently experienced something that she never ex-
I
pected to encounter at a golf course, specifically the Tern Grille, the lower level restaurant venue at the Country Club designed primarily to serve golfers. “They ran out of draft beer,” she told Hill, near the conclusion of the meeting in the question-answer segment. She said that there have been other shortages as well, with the grill occasionally running out of staples like French fries or chicken patties. The resident said the problem seems to be bulk purchasing managed out of the Yacht Club. While the OPA receives volume discounts by doing all of its purchasing out of one location, the problem seems to be that no reliable system exists for making sure each satellite restaurant venue receives, in a timely way, its share of the food and drink that is delivered by Cisco and other vendors to the Yacht Club in
large delivery vans, which in some instances apparently can’t navigate in the parking spaces available at some of the smaller restaurant and bar venues. “This is the first I’m hearing about this,” Hill said, vowing to remedy the situation as soon as possible. Pines resident Tom Janasek, a candidate for the board last summer who did not throw his hat in the ring to run again this year, said he thought the original idea of bulk purchasing sounded great in theory, adding that he still believes it can produce savings for the OPA. But the devil is in the details, and Janasek said Hill and his team had simply neglected to set up a system by which inventory in each venue is monitored and resupplied as needed. “I hope they can fix it by the Fourth of July weekend,” he said. Janasek also is a critic of the 20 percent discount policy, which many people like because it results in a savings over what they would otherwise pay for the privilege of eating and drinking at an OPA restaurant venue. “It makes sense during the winter, when we need bodies,” he said. “That hasn’t been a problem during the summer months.” While Hill told the membership he would do whatever it takes to deal with chinks in the restaurant supply chain, there is no move afoot to reverse the 20
percent discount policy. The discount is in lieu of a happy hour discount at the Yacht Club and is much more comprehensive and will be in effect until further notice. It’s in effect at the Yacht Club and the Country Club’s Tern Grill, as well as the Beach Club and the Swim and Racquet Club this summer. At the Board of Directors’ April 24 work session, Director Slobodan Trendic said any decision with a potentially huge impact on OPA finances and budget should have been cleared first by the board. He said the discount if it remains in effect throughout the summer could produce a potential revenue loss of $317,000, that could only be “made up by a 25 percent increase” in volume at the various Ocean Pines food and beverage venues. Trendic said that given the history of the Yacht Club’s financial performance, he’s concerned about any policy change that further contracts the margins of revenue over cost that govern the success of any restaurant business. Trendic said the board was not informed of “the process the GM used” to arrive at the 20 percent figure and he’s “not comfortable” with the impact the discount will have on the Yacht Club’s bottom line, which racked up a $228,694 loss in the 2016-17 fiscal year.
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OCEAN PINES
June 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS 15
Process to update capital improvement plan continues slowly
Seafloor donation
Women Supporting Women is a grassroots local non-profit organization which was founded in 1993 by three area women: Harriette Fine, Carol Prager and Sue Revelle. They started the group out of their homes after discovering the need to help women through their journey with breast cancer. Donald Robertson, owner of Seafloor Carpets in Ocean Pines, recently donated $1000 to the organization.
Stevens predicts new plan will be in place by his ‘retirement’ in August By TOM STAUSS Publisher cean Pines Association Director Dave Stevens reports incremental progress in a working group’s efforts to scrub last year’s reserve study of outdated data on the path of drafting a new capital improvement plan for the OPA. The group includes Stevens, OPA President Tom Herrick, OPA Treasurer Pat Supik, Bylaws and Resolutions Committee chair and former Director Martin D. Clarke, newly appointed OPA director of finance John Viola, and contractor Ted Moroney. Stevens said another meeting of the group will be held in the first half of June. The OPA’s new facilities manager, Kevin Layfield, will probably attend as a representative of the OPA administration, like he did at the last meeting of the group in early May. Stevens said that Supik has been
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making progress in bringing up-to-date last year’s reserve study by DMA Consulting, while he has been working on coming up with a list of future projects. “With what we’ve already done (board-approved renovations) or will be doing soon, there’s not a whole left to do,” Stevens said. “There’s the buildings around the Country club (golf cart barn, golf maintenance), maybe the North Gate bridge. I can’t think of a lot of big items that need doing.” Once last year’s reserve study is scrubbed of outdated or already completed projects, Stevens said his to-do list can be turned over to DMA, who then can produce an updated report that will constitute a new and improved capital improvement plan, perhaps with an addendum that lists major requirements going forward. “We would have to write that,” Stevens said of his group, adding that at he expects that an updated reserve study
will be completed by the time he retires from the board in August. “There may be some judgment calls (on what should appear in an updated CIP),” he said. The point of updating the reserve study and coming up with a CIP is to help the board decide how much will be needed in annual lot assessments to fund the OPA’s replacement reserves. Stevens said in his opinion it will be less than boards of directors in previous years have collected. He previously has said that projects that could be added to the CIP include
drainage improvements on holes eight and nine of the Ocean Pines golf course. At an April board meeting, there was also renewed interest expressed in renovating or replacing the landmark North Gate bridge when the state decides to add a round-about traffic circle to facilitate in and out access to Ocean Pines and the nearby medical complex. Stevens, who was unable to gain much traction in an effort to produce a new CIP when he served as OPA president two years ago, received the blessing of OPA President Tom Herrick to form a committee back in February.
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16 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
OCEAN PINES
June 2017
By TOM STAUSS Publisher weeks-long activity gap in the process of searching for the Ocean Pines Association’s new general manager has at least one official concerned the process will drag on too long and may not wrap up before a new Board of Directors takes office in August. Director Dave Stevens has expressed worry that the Novak Consulting Group, the company hired to help the OPA find its new head executive, built too much time into the candidate review schedule. “To me this is an inordinate amount of time,” he said of the schedule, which doesn’t have the board making an offer to a candidate and bringing the new general manager on board until at least July. He said it is important for directors make a decision regarding the top candidate before the new board takes office. As a result of a contentious closeddoor meeting of the board May 23 to discuss the recent resignation of Director of Finance Mary Bosack, during which two directors were trying to convince their colleagues that Acting General Manager Brett Hill should be replaced, the board
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Stevens presses for faster GM hiring process Parks will discuss speeding up process with Novak Group agreed to try to expedite the process of hiring a new general manager. With candidate interviews of perhaps five candidates expected to begin June 22, Stevens told the Progress recently that he hopes the board can quickly decide on a candidate and hire him or her shortly after. Director Doug Parks, who is serving as liaison to the Novak Consulting Group, said during an April 29 board meeting that the OPA engaged the firm to conduct the search for the new general manager and concurred with the timeline the company proposed. He said it has been moving forward “very aggressively” to solicit applicants, including using advertisements in national publications, Web sites, and social media. Additionally, it posted the position with municipal leagues in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania,
and the International City/County Managers Association. Parks said he would ask the company whether there would be any way to expedite the process but offered the opinion that the company probably would want to continue with the agreed upon schedule. More than 40 applications were received and Novak Consulting Group was scheduled to begin vetting them on May 1. That process had been expected to take through mid-June, when the company will present its recommendations for candidates to interview to the board. Directors originally scheduled a June 22 candidate review meeting to select applicants they wish to interview and to review logistics for interviews, which were to take place on July 6 and 7. Following the interviews, the board will meet to reach a consensus on the
Coastal Hospice pleads for relief from a portion of OPA assessments Organization almost two years away from launching residential facility in Points Reach clubhouse that never opened By ROTA L. KNOTT Contributing Writer oping to open the doors on a new residential hospice care facility in south Ocean Pines in 2019, representatives from Coastal Hospice are hoping to reduce costs by convincing the Ocean Pines Association to reclassify its property, the never-opened clubhouse at The Point, from commercial to residential. That change, if approved by the Board of Directors, could save more than $20,000 for the nonprofit organization that provides end-of-life care. Alane Capen, president of Coastal Hospice, approached the board during its regular meeting on Saturday, May 27, for a “three-fold visit.” She said she wanted to tell the board about the organization’s project in The Point, provide an update on its progress, and ask for relief from the hefty homeowner’s association fees. Coastal Hospice purchased the property at 1500 Ocean Parkway in far south Ocean Pines this past Dec. 30. The site was originally intended by developer David Meinhardt to be a clubhouse for the residents of that exclusive section, but construction of the building was never completed and was tied up in legal maneuvers for years. “This house is going to be for people who, maybe they have moved away from family, they retired here in the Pines or
H
elsewhere in Worcester County or surrounding area, who are no longer safe at home,” Capen told the board. She said they may no longer be able to prepare their own meals, use the bathroom on their own, or take care of themselves. “And they don’t have family members that can support them like many of our patients do so they can stay in their own homes,” she said. The facility will be dedicated to tak-
ing care of those who are the most vulnerable near the end of their lives. “We are building a hospice residence and outreach center,” Capen said, adding the main floor will have 12 patient residences, family rooms, a kitchen, and possibly a palliative consulting area while the lower level will house administration. “The lower area is going to house the hospice team that sees patients through the rest of Ocean Pines in their own
top candidate. Parks acknowledged the board “did go back and forth with Novak” on the original timing but the consultants recommended the current approach and the board concurred. Still, Stevens suggested finding a way to shorten the process if possible. He said it would be sometime after July 10 before an offer is made to the top candidate and, if the offer is accepted, details of the hiring are worked out. Parks agreed to discuss the concerns about the timeline with the Novak Group to determine if it is possible to expedite the hiring process. However, he pointed out that much of the remaining timeline is predicated on the board’s candidate review meeting scheduled for June 22 and how quickly the board whittles down the number of candidates. He said the board should allow the organization it hired to properly review the candidates and then interview them in the manner described in the consulting contract. Then the “responsibility falls on us to vet, discuss, debate, decide” which candidate to hire as the OPA’s next general manager, he said. homes and in Worcester County as well as Somerset County,” she said. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency, Coastal Hospice does not receive any funding for room and board of residents from government or insurance agencies. “There’s no one who pays us room and board,” Capen said. “Our plan is to have a sliding scale so that people of lesser means are able to afford to live there” The organization raises revenue to fund its operations through two annual special events and sales at a thrift shop in Berlin. “That thrift shop exists as well as two signature events in Ocean City to help support the room and board for patients who need a safe place to live,” Capen said. She said the organization is awaiting certification from the state health care To Page 18
The building once intended to be a clubhouse for residents in the Points Reach condominiums was purchased by the Worcester County Coastal Hospice. Its opening as a residence for those needing end-of-life care is projected for 2019.
June 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
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18 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
OCEAN PINES
June 2017
Pickleball memberships surging, Hill tells town meeting A fifty percent increase reported through end of May By TOM STAUSS Publisher espite predictions by some pickleball club leaders that new, higher rates for drop-in pickleball at the Community Center gymnasium that went into effect May 1 would drive down annual membership rates and revenues, early indications suggest that membership is increasing. Whether it remains to be seen whether the pace will continue, Acting General Manager Brett Hill somewhat triumphantly highlighted the pickleball membership surge during a town meeting he hosted at the Yacht Club’s upper level July 1, attending by roughly 150 OPA members. Through May 30, the first month of the 2017-18 fiscal year, Hill said there had been 54 pickleball-only memberships sold, with another 9 memberships encompassing all three racquet sports – tennis, platform tennis and pickleball – for a total of 63. At the end of May last year, there were 43 pickleball memberships sold, in addition to two associate memberships to non-residents, for a total of 45.
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From Page 16 commission to build the 12-bed facility. That process is expected to take another five months, with a ground-breaking a few months after the certification is received. Construction is anticipated to take 14 to 16 months, putting an opening day nearly two years away. Meanwhile, Coastal Hospice got hit with a $26,000 invoice for annual OPA dues because the property is classified as commercial by the homeowner’s association. Capen asked the board to consider the facility as residential with 12 units instead of commercial. “We feel that would be more fair. We are not a for profit entity. This is different than oper-
“That’s an almost 50 percent increase” year over year, Hill said. Usually, one month into the fiscal year does not conclusively determine how membership will fare for the entire year, with the June cumulative numbers somewhat more indicative. May and
June are traditionally the months when most OPA members buy their amenity packages for the year. The OPA does not require that however, and amenities that operate year-round, such as aquatics and pickleball, might be expected to produce more new membership revenue at less
ating a restaurant or bar.” Capen said Coastal Hospice is not going to make money on the facility in Ocean Pines. “We actually expect to lose money on this building every year which is why the two events and the thrift shop exist to help us sustain it.” That’s also one of the reasons why the organization decided to expand to 12 beds instead of the originally planned eight, because it becomes more sustainable with more units. “We will be working hard to make this building break even in the bigger scheme of things,” she told the board. Director Dave Stevens asked if the commercial classification was one mandated by Worcester County zoning. Capen responded that it is the OPA’s
classification for the site, not the county’s, that determines what it pays the OPA in annual assessments. Brett Hill, director and acting general manager, said the site is listed in the OPA’s records as a commercial. For commercial entities there is a calculation of annual assessments based on square footage, he said. “That’s where that assessment was calculated from,” he said, without tipping his hand on whether he would be receptive to recalculating the assessment as a residential facility. Hill said there are about a half dozen commercial properties that pay annual assessment to the OPA. He suggested the association ask its attorney to weigh in on the matter of property classification for Coastal Hospice.
traditional times of the year. The year-over-year pickleball membership, though gratifying to Hill, doesn’t appease pickleball players who have been boycotting the indoor courts at the Community Center in protest of new drop-in fees. New pickleball courts at the Manklin Meadows recreational complex have been well received by members, according to Hill. According to pickleball club member Janis Green, she would have been playing at the indoor courts on recent rainy afternoons but members aren’t showing up, instead driving into Ocean City to play on indoor courts available there for less money than what the Ocean Pines Association is charging. She said her indoor fees when combined with an annual membership would increase “would result in payments to the OPA from $150 a year to $322 a year “if I play indoors three times a week for five winter months. This is why people are angry!” In a recent e-mail to OPA President
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Coastal Hospice
The Ocean Pines Association hosted a ribbon-cutting for the eight new pickleball courts installed at the Manklin Creek Recreation Complex in early June. Pictured, left to right, are Ocean Pines Marketing and Public Relations Director Denise Sawyer, Racquet Sports Manager and Tennis Pro Erin Starr, USAPA Ambassador Neil Gottesman, Ocean Pines Pickleball Club member John Hanberry, Ocean Pines Board Director Doug Parks, Ocean Pines Pickleball Club Founder Bob O’Malley, Ocean Pines Pickleball Club Founder Frank Creamer, Ocean Pines Pickleball Club Founder Julie Woulfe, Ocean Pines Board Director Slobodan Trendic, Ocean Pines Board Director Cheryl Jacobs and Ocean Pines Pickleball Club President Phil Quinto.
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Board tables Jacobs’s draft to tweak M-02 amenities resolution Director doesn’t show up to argue for her proposed change By TOM STAUSS Publisher he Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors is still dealing bureaucratically with the aftermath of an acrimonious debate over the extent to which the Yacht Club’s “Oasis” swimming pool remains an adults only pool. The board recently unanimously accepted a proposal by Acting General Brett Hill to return “family fun night” to the Yacht Club pool on Wednesday nights beginning June 21, while allowing family swimming at the pool on Monday evenings. The Wednesday night event closes the pool for general use at 5 p.m., to allow the staff to set up for family fun night, while the Monday night open swim simply allows anyone under 18 to use the pool from 5 to 8 p.m., with no one of whatever age denied entry. Previously, Hill had initiated, without board approval, a plan to shift family
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fun night from Wednesdays to Sundays, a change that triggered an outcry from roughly 100 pool users who attended a called special meeting on the change in protest. As a result of the organized protect, the board opted to change to the status quo ante over Hill’s opposition. During board discussion, Director Dave Stevens said that while he thought Hill should have consulted with the board before revising the schedule, the OPA document that governs amenities use, Board Resolution M-2, was sufficiently vague that Hill was well within his rights to conclude he had the au-
thority to make the change in pool hours without obtaining board approval. To remedy what he regards as a defect in M-2 language, Stevens presented for first reading an amendment to M-02 during the April 29 regular meeting that says “the established use for an amenity [e.g., adults-only pool] shall not be changed without the explicit approval of a majority of the Board of Directors.” The board debated the proposed amendment but didn’t vote on it, which allows Stevens to bring it back for a second reading and an approval vote whenever he likes.
Director Doug Parks said the Bylaws and Resolutions Advisory Committee could be asked to look at M-02 for other possible changes. When Director Cheryl Jacobs said she was “confused” about why Stevens had submitted the amendment for first reading, he responded that it was designed to clarify an ambiguity in the language and to make sure that resolutions are consistent with other OPA organizational documents. Director Slobodan Trendic suggested that other relevant committees be asked To Page 22
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Pickleball From Page 18 Tom Herrick, she described the apparent boycott of indoor courts “a problem that is not going away. You are seeing a mass exodus of people that want the former pricing back,” both for members and non-residents. She called it “a sad thing when I cannot fund three other players on a rainy day to play. People are arranging car pools to OC. This situation is distressing. Many older people “not be in the sun due to skin conditions. Not all people have the same requirements.” She described new outdoor pickleball courts as “a great amenity” but said they are unusable on cold, windy and rainy days. Herrick had previously responded to Green, telling her that the Board of Directors earlier this year “lowered the membership rates for our pickleball amenity with includes the unlimited use of outdoor pickleball courts for this fiscal year. The Board also approved, at the direct request from the pickleball membership, eight new dedicated outdoor courts expresly for the pickleball players’ enjoyment. These courts recently opened for play. “I am personally hopeful the pickleball membership will show support for this investment the association has dedicated for their enjoyment by increasing play on these outdoor courts,” Herrick said. So far, he seems to be getting his wish. Pickleball club officials also recently warned the board that pickleball memberships would decrease because of increases in drop-in rates for play at the Ocean Pines Community Center.
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June 2017
June 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
June 2017
Board votes to allow task force to draft RFP to improve OPA Internet connectivity Server failure challenges staff in run-up to summer season By TOM STAUSS Publisher hile it won’t help at all to remedy a server failure that made the Ocean Pines Association’s electronic connectivity sluggish to inoperable in the latter part of May and early June, the task force that is looking to improve the OPA’s connectivity is ready to begin drafting a request for proposals that will solicit specific proposals from vendors. Four of five directors who attended the board’s May 27 regular monthly meeting authorized the task force that is headed up by Director Doug Parks to begin drafting the RFP, which followed up on earlier task force process that solicited and received responses to a request for information (RFI). Meanwhile, according to Brett Hill, the OPA’s acting general manager, a replacement server should be delivered before the end of the month to enable the OPA’s point of sale and other systems to get back to normal, such as normal is in
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Ocean Pines. Whereas the RFI produced more generalized proposals from various vendors in most cases, Parks said the RFP will be written to obtain detailed proposals including cost from vendors on how to improve connectivity between various OPA departmental locations throughout Ocean Pines. Voting to authorize the drafting of the RFP, which will be subject to board review once it’s ready, were Parks and directors Tom Herrick, the OPA president, Dave Stevens and Pat Supik. Director and Acting General Manager Brett Hill abstained, while directors Slobodan Trendic and Cheryl Jacobs were absent. Parks said the objective will be to obtain at least three specific proposals from vendors. Among those companies expected to respond to the RFP is Mediacom, Ocean Pines’ cable television and high speed Internet supplier. Think Big Networks, the Chestertown, Md., companu that has is part-
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nering with Hill’s fiber optic installation company, FTS, also is expected to submit a proposal to be considered by the task force. Parks told the Progress after the May 27 meeting that a new company previously unheard from that may submit a proposal is Comcast, whose high speed Internet service is called Exfinity. He said he doesn’t expect Verizon, whose high speed service is called FIOS, to submit a proposal. Parks told the board that the RFP process will be open to any member of the Maryland Broadband consortium, a government-supported trade group that was founded to bring high speed Internet to locations throughout the state, especially rural areas. But as a practical matter, he said he expected companies that submitted RFIs would be those most likely to participate. Three companies responded to the RFI, including
Hill says bartenders allowed to ‘hydrate’
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lassify in the category of urban myth or fake news the claim made by a resident at Acting General Manager Brett Hill’s June town meeting that Hill won’t let bartenders in any Ocean Pines Association food and beverage venue “hydrate” themselves while working behind the bar. In a text response to an inquiry by the Progress, Hill said bartenders are not allowed to consume alcohol while behind the bar or on the clock. But water is allowed behind the bar and bartenders can take a drink of it, he said. “Anything else is allowed during a meal break in the break room,” Hill said. – Tom Stauss
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22 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
without the approval of the Board of Directors.” The change eliminated the word “exFrom Page 19 to weigh in on the proposed change to plicitly” probably because it seemed superfluous to Jacobs, and also narrowed M-02. At the board’s regular monthly May the focus to pool usage rather than to 22 meeting, Jacobs had inserted into the amenities in general.” In part because Jacobs did not atagenda a proposal to rewrite Stevens’s tend the May 22 meeting, the directors M-02. It read: “The established use for a decided to remove consideration of the OP-progressmagicad-0615_Layout 6/29/15 4:24 PM Pagechange 1 proposed from the agenda. pool of Ocean Pines shall not be1changed
Amenities resolution
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Internet connectivity From Page 22 Mediacom and Think Big Networks. Hill told his board colleagues that every company in the state that installs fiber optic cable or that operates in the Internet service provider arena are members of the broadband consortium. It’s a gateway organization to do business in the state, he said. The Technology Work Group has been tasked with determining what immediate improvements can be made to improve connectivity while concurrently investigating long-term projects that support the OPA’s business operations requirements. The group is assisting the board and general manager with conducting a needs assessment and analysis of current industry trends and recommending technology solutions to meet the functional needs and budget considerations of the association. The goal is to address network connectivity issues between all locations within the OPA. Initially, the effort is focusing on building connectivity between anchor facilities and amenities, like the administration building, golf club, Yacht Club, and Community Center. The RFI asked companies to provide a general overview of the alternatives for accomplishing that task in order to best leverage technology to provide
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On Friday, June 9, White Marlin Mall celebrated the Grand Opening of Ulta Beauty and the completion of its newly re-designed center. This is a new brand look for White Marlin Mall. This is Ulta’s 990th store as the fastest growing chain in the beauty category in the country. high-speed connectivity for business operations. The group met with representatives from Mediacom on March 17 to review its existing network infrastructure and has asked the company to provide a recommendation in response to the RFI. “It gives us a good understanding of what Mediacom has in the ground,” Parks said. Among the other three responses to the RFI, one was presented in a format traditionally reserved for responses to a Request for Proposals and included
detailed pricing and schedules. Meanwhile, the work group is assisting the finance department staff in its search for a new financial system and evaluation of potential platforms. Parks said the OPA’s existing financial system is inconsistent and inefficient. The work group sought information from potential vendors and narrowed its focus to three companies that it worked with finance department staff to test using software demonstration packages. Those vendors are Buildium, IBS-Imperium and Northstar, Parks said.
At the board’s April regular meeting, Hill, who is also serving as interim general manager, said the goal is to select a vendor within 30 to 45 days and present the purchase request to the board for approval. He said the system can be installed and implemented at mid-year when financial operations slow down for the OPA. It appears that process is sliding somewhat, as the OPA phases in a new director of finance, John Viola, who was hired by Hill following the abrupt resignation of Mary Bosack in May.
24 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
June 2017
Five competing for two board seats this summer
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ive more candidates for the Board of Directors in this summer’s annual Ocean Pines Association recently surfaced, joining the two – former director Martin D. Clarke and current director Doug Parks – who had announced early. Another candidate, former director Ray Unger, dropped out. The five newcomers to OPA electoral politics were Nicole Schaffer Crosariol,
Paula Robertson Gray, Colette Horn, Arie Klapholz and Brenda Lynn Wascak. But by June 10, that number had dropped by two, as Gray and Klapholz submitted formal letters of withdrawal prior to the drawing for ballot positions. As a result, five candidates are now competing for two vacant Board positions. Property owners will have an opportunity to see the candidates close up
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and in person at a candidates’ forum to be hosted by the Ocean Pines Elections Committee on the evening of June 21 at the Ocean Pines Community Center. Brenda Lynn Wascak Other important dates in this year’s election cycle are July 1, the voter eligibility deadline, in which assessments for the year need to be paid for participation; July 11, when ballots are scheduled for mailing; Aug. 10, when ballots are due in; Aug. 11, when ballots are to be counted in an open session of the Elections Committee; and Aug. 12, when election results are to be announced at the annual meeting of the association. Invited to make statements of candidacy by the Progress for inclusion in the June edition, only Wascak responded in time. “My husband and I purchased a home in Ocean Pines about six years ago after discovering the wonderful amenities and friendly neighbors that Ocean Pines has to offer. I am amazed at how beautiful and efficiently run our community
Marty Clarke
Doug Parks
is and how everyone pitches in to keep it that way,” she said. Her reason for running is that “I want to help build the future of our community for our children and grandchildren. My goal is to listen and learn from the residents of Ocean Pines because they know best what services and amenities they want for our community. I would use this information to make informed choices on the Board if given the opportunity to serve.” Wascak said she has had 33 years of service with the U.S. Department of Defense and will retire this September. “My work experience along with five years of volunteering with the homeless in Anne Arundel County have taught me how to work as a team player to resolve problems, prioritize projects, and bring them to completion,” she wrote.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Ocean Pines Association held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly installed Manklin Meadows playground on Saturday, May 6 at 1 p.m. The event included live music, food and remarks from several Ocean Pines representatives, including acting General Manager Brett Hill, Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee Chair Tim McMullen, Recreation Manager Debbie Donahue and Director of Marketing and Public Relations Denise Sawyer. Local dignitaries Maryland State Senator Jim Mathias and State Delegate Mary Beth Carozza were also in attendance. The new structure replaces one that was built in 2003 as a result of fundraising efforts led by resident Barbara Kissel and other volunteers. Elements of the original playground, including a gazebo and commemorative wall of handprints, have been preserved. Pictured, left to right, are Brittany Jarman, Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department; Ginger Fleming, executive director of the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce; Doug Parks, Ocean Pines Board of Directors; Slobodan Trendic, Ocean Pines Board of Directors; Mathias; Bert Raymond, Ocean Pines resident; Dave Stevens, Ocean Pines Board of Directors; Carozza; Cheryl Jacobs, Ocean Pines Board of Directors; Hill; Paisley Goetzinger, daughter of Katie Goetzinger, Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department; Debbie Donahue, recreation manager for the Ocean Pines Association; and an unknown Ocean Pines resident.
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OCEAN PINES ASSOCIATION BRIEFS Ocean Pines nominated in mag’s ‘Best Of’ contest
Ocean Pines, voted the safest residential community in Maryland by National Council for Home Safety and Security, has been nominated as the “Best Residential Community” in Worcester County in an online voting contest promoted by Coastal Style Magazine. “Ocean Pines has long been a favorite destination for Maryland visitors. Now residents and guests alike can
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show their fondness by voting in the ‘Best Of’ contest,” Ocean Pines Marketing and Public Relations Director Denise Sawyer said. Also on the ballot is the title of “Best Wedding Venue of Worcester County.” The Venues at Ocean Pines, formerly known as the Clubs of Ocean Pines, has also been nominated in Coastal Style Magazine‘s 2017 “Best Of” Awards. The Ocean City-based publication invites its readers to vote for their favorite people, food, drinks and businesses on the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Delaware. “We are encouraging folks to vote for Ocean Pines,” Sawyer said. “It’s a premier coastal community that features five safe pools, two clean marinas, a championship golf course, a spacious sports complex, a skate park, several parks and scenic walking and/or jogging trails.” For ballots to be counted, responders must complete a minimum of 15 categories and include your name, address, phone number and email. Ballots submitted without contact information will not be counted, according to Coastal Style Magazine. Visit www.coastalstylemag.com/bestof-coastal-style-ballot to vote. Voting ends June 15, and the 2017 “Best Of” awards will be published in the September/October issue of Coastal Style Magazine. The publication will host a celebration party for its “Best Of” winners at an awards dinner on Friday, Sept. 29, at Seacrets in Ocean City.
Ocean Pines to host free appraisal seminar
The Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department will offer a free seminar on Thursday, June 29, at the Ocean Pines Community Center.
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Playground ribbon-cutting
June 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
26 Ocean Pines PROGRESS OPA BRIEFS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
June 2017 Although there is no cost to attend these seminars, spaces are limited and advance registration is required. To register, call the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052.
best-ball scramble. Players may sign up school seniors every year. as a foursome, twosome or single; partThe scholarships are intended for ners will be matched as necessary. Each local students in the Ocean Pines area, team must be comprised of males and including Berlin and Worcester County, females. who have shown an interest in golf; acThe cost to participate is $22 per tive participation in competitive golf is person, which includes light fare at 5:15 not required. The scholarship winners p.m. in the Tern Grille and prizes, plus for 2017 school year will be announced applicable greens and cart fees. The cost at a later date; application information Lawn Care for light fare only for non-golfers is $16 for 2018 will be released next year. per person. A cash bar and 50/50 raffle Ocean Pines makes will be available. The registration deadline was June Forbes ‘Best Places’ 6. Proceeds from the event benefit theBerlinForbes Magazine, a leading source Serving Ocean Pines, & West Ocean City Ocean Pines junior golf scholarship for business news and financial inforfund, which awards up to three schol- mation, has named Ocean Pines as one arships of $500 to $1500 each to high
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From Page 25 Todd Peenstra with Peenstra Antiques Appraisals will return with his popular antiques appraisal show. Peenstra, a nationally known antiques and Golf Council to host art appraiser, specializes in appraisals scholarship fundraiser Dentist for estate settlements, tax donations, The Ocean Pines Golf Members’ Council estate planning, downsizing and insurwill host its first junior golf scholarship ance issues. Participants may register up to fundraiser of the season at the Ocean two items each for appraisal including Pines Golf Club on Sunday, June 11, jewelry, furniture, glass, porcelain, art with a 3 p.m. shotgun start. The event is work, silver and coins an hour before open to the public. Known as the “Sunday Golf Social,” the shows. Show times are scheduled for the four-person team event features a 3-4:30 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPA BRIEFS From Page 26 of the top places in the nation to retire in 2017. “The news was greeted with plenty of enthusiasm from the Ocean Pines Association,” Ocean Pines Marketing and Public Relations Director Denise Sawyer said. “We’ve known that Ocean Pines is a great place to call home and now the nation knows.” Forbes presents an annual list of the top U.S. retirement cities and towns. This year, financial experts have crunched data from 550 communities and have chosen 25 cities, from 20 states, as the best places to retire for affordable, high-quality retirement living. The famed magazine describes Ocean Pines as a wooded waterfront community of 12,000 on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with an above-average ratio of physicians per capita; good air quality, extremely low serious crime rate, and no state income tax on Social Security income.
OP Farmers Market celebrates six years
The weekly farmers market in Ocean Pines, where you can snag everything from fresh, local produce to quirky homemade crafts, turned six on Saturday, May 20 “Our Ocean Pines marketplace is the modern-day town square, where people gather on Saturday mornings to shop, take in the entertainment and learn but most importantly to have conversations with our merchants, friends and neighbors,” Ocean Pines Farmers Market Manager David Bean said. The Ocean Pines Farmers Market, founded in 2011, was one of just a few farmers’ markets in all of Worcester County when it opened for business. The market has become a Saturday cultural centerpiece on the Maryland Eastern Shore community by embracing artisan market vendors. Alongside the traditional green market vendors, shoppers now look for artisans selling jewelry, beading, metalwork, photography, paintings, leather goods, carved wood pieces, textiles and other products from crafters and artists. We have something for everyone. Civic groups, clubs or non-profit organizations are welcome to set up a fundraising-stand, sign up new members or offer a demonstration to marketgoers. “Over time the market will continue to evolve with the fabric of the community,” Bean said. “Our ongoing commitment is to bring fresh fruits, vegetables and foods along with artisan products to the community, to support the farmers and artisans and to provide a yearround community gathering place. We continue to listen to the ideas for new marketplace options.”
Trampolines, treadmills added to Sports Core pool
New fitness classes at the Sports Core Pool have Ocean Pines ahead of other
June 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS communities in Worcester County. Fitness instructors at the Sports Core Pool are going beyond the well-established pool classes by introducing treadmill and trampoline classes, after unveiling aqua-bikes last year. “The community is receiving it very well and the people who have come to use and learn about the treadmills have given positive feedback,” said Ocean Pines Aquatics and Recreation Director Colby Phillips. “The trampolines have been used and will be added into
the classes coming this fall with a few ‘sneak peaks’ in some current classes. Everyone who has used them has truly enjoyed them.” Aqua fitness classes, which include underwater treadmills and trampolines, target every muscle in the body with zero impact on joints, making it ideal for those recovering from injuries and others who are looking for results with the help of a quirky exercise. The added bonus is that it is fun, Phillips said, “The treadmills are something we
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Thompson Thompson contract contractterminated terminated
What What caughtcaught many inmany Ocean in Pines Ocean by Pines by surprise, surprise, however, however, was the fact wasthat the the fact that the 28 Ocean Pines PROGRESS June 2017 OPA FINANCES axe fell axe asfell soonasassoon it did.asThe it new did. board The new board Stevens motion Stevenspasses motion4-3, passes over 4-3, Jacobs’ over Jacobs’ ‘emotional’ ‘emotional’ objections; objections;Brett BrettHill Hill named named acting acting GM GM reorganized reorganized itself with itself an election with anofelection ofof offices in fices a meeting in a meeting Aug. 22. Aug. H 22. H three options. three options. tors torswho who voted voted for forit,it,Jack Jack Collins, Collins, was was By TOM STAUSS By TOM STAUSS ill’s motion ill’s motion to go into to closed go into session closed session Newly elected Newly elected director director Brett Brett Hill, Hill, who who defeated defeated in in his his election election bid bid this this summer, summer, Publisher Publisher on Aug. on 26 Aug. after26 the after openthe session openmade session By TOM STAUSS get by $44,886. The bulkhead and waterways reserve explain why she decided to weigh made in this offered the offered motion the motion to go to into go into closed closed ses-ses- with withhis his contract contract extension extension vote vote a possia possiclosed meeting closed that meeting began that with began with no mention no mention of possible of possible termination. termination. Publisher For the month, the OPA registered has ballooned to a balance of $1.8 milearly on what is always a contentious sion, in prepared sion, in prepared remarks remarks explaining explaining hishis ble blecontributing contributing factor. factor. intended the intended of reviewing purpose Trendic told thetold Progress Progress several he the Ocean Pinespurpose Association end-of reviewing a motion positive operating fund variance to re- lion,Also withvoting no significant replacement oc- Trendic issue during thethe annual OPAseveral budget said motion that saidfive thatboard five board members members reAlso voting for for the theextension extension was was General Manager General Bob Manager ThompBob Thompdays after days the after decision the decision to terminate to terminate was was ed the 2016-17 fiscal year with a budget of $56,016, the first time in some curring this past year, while the roads process. cently had cently discovered had discovered “many “many disturbing disturbing Dave Dave Stevens, Stevens, who who wasn’t wasn’t on on the the ballot ballot son’s employment son’s contract, including contract, including mademade thatActing “absolutely” that General “absolutely” thereManager wasthere no in-was no Hill, instrong April butemployment still lost $272,837 time that this has occurred. Revenues reserve ended the year with a $508,723 Brett factors surrounding factors surrounding the handling the handling of the of the this thisyear year but but isn’t isn’tknown known as as a Thompson a Thompson director whatdescribed oneto director asdescribed “disturbas “disturbtention tention expectation or expectation the town board by the ma- boardatmaforwhat the one year, subject adjustments were over budget by $7,321, total ex- positive balance. In total, OPA reserves atorthe outset ofbyhis meeting the GM GM(for bonus the(for 2015-15 the 2015-15 fiscal fiscal year),” year),” fan. fan.Both Both Collins Collins and andStevens Stevens explained explained Yacht Club June 1, in effect downplayed ing factors” involving ingaudit factors” a involving $30,900 abonus $30,900penses bonusbonus during the annual process. were under budget by $22,195, ended the year with a positive balance jorityjority of Herrick, of Herrick, Trendic, Trendic, Stevens and Stevens and as well as “adjustments well asexpenditures “adjustments already already made made to to oftheir their votes votes as as the thebest bestdeal deal possible possible for for the significance of the deficit, suggesting for better-than-budgeted for April better-than-budgeted amenity finanamenity finanAccording to the financial report and newas capital were un$5,772,309. Hill that HillThompson’s that Thompson’s contract would contract be would be year’s thisby budget year’s budget related related to the to the bonus bonus the the OPA OPA given given that, that, atatthethe time, time, there there that, had it not been for some adjustcial performance, cial performance, ended up with ended aJohn highup withder athis highprepared by Director of Finance budget $26,500. Because of the strong April results, terminated terminated in the closed in thesession closedAug. session 26. Aug. 26. clauses” thatalso would that would havethe have made made it much it much the was was aasolid solid majority majority pro-Thompson di- ments made to the spending plan during Viola, the OPA recorded under The ended year with OPA was able of toofpro-Thompson avoid losingdi-more ly contentious ly4-3 contentious voterevenues to terminate 4-3 vote to terminate the clauses” the OPA He and Heother and directors other directors declined an declined an easier for easier Thompson for Thompson to earn to earn a bonus a bonus rererectors rectors who who could could have have renegotiated renegotiated the the budget for the year of $218,564 and total a healthy reserve balance. The major than $300,000 for the year, which the year, the OPA contract and contract Thompson’s and Thompson’s employment employment emailemail invitation invitation by the Progress bywould the Progress tohave dis- been to close dislated to lated amenity to amenity performance performance this this year. year. seemed contract contractmore to to make make ititeven even more more lucrative expenses over budget byAssociation. $9,387. maintenance and replacement reserve than likely atlucrative the end cuss of how to break-even the year. with the Ocean with Pines the Ocean Pines Association. cuss and howwhy and thefor why decision the to decision terto terHill his Hill explanation inmillion his explanation said thatthat thethe March, forforThompson. Thompson. New capitalBrett expenditures stood as said of April 30. when the negative operating Hecontract noted that theoccurred, boardthe on citing his recomDirector Director Hill was Brettover chosen Hillbudwasbychosen byat in$3.44 minate minate the the contract occurred, citing the board “has board an “has obligation an obligation to discuss to discuss a a Stevens Stevens was participating participating in in the the mendation added about $108,000 to the variance hadwas reached $328,553. the board majority the board to serve majority astointerim serve as interim confidentiality confidentiality of closedofmeetings. closed meetings. In remarks during the May regular morea objective more objective measure measure of bonus of bonus calcucalcu- meeting meeting via via telephone, telephone, and and saidsaid later later Public Works Department expense budor acting general or acting manager generalpending manager apending meeting of the Board of Directors, OPA to cover the hiring announcing of six The press release release announcing the individuals the lation, so lation, a notifi so a cation notifi cation of a of (reopened) a (reopened) he he might might have have voted voted differently differently had had he he Thegetpress search for a replacement. search for a replacement. Supik said she to said address deferred maintenance, decision decision only said that only the that contract thewas contractwhich was negotiation negotiation wouldwould be inbethe in the best best Treasurer been beenatat the thePat person person totohash hash out out thebelieves the de- deAt a special At meeting a special of meeting the Board of the contract Board contract $272,837 operating loss – or whatalso resulted in a $54,000 cost mademade for convenience, for convenience, meaning meaning that thepayroll that the interest interest of allHome,3 parties of allBed, parties to2 avoid to avoid further further is- is- the tails tails ofofaa renegotiation. renegotiation. Custom-Brick Bath,2 Car Garage, of Directors Aug. of Directors 26, theAug. directors 26, the votdirectors vot-Waterfront everElections it turns out toconsequences, be after the and annual adjustment as was well.notany board board majority majority was not alleging alleging sort any sort sues in future sues in years.” future years.” Elections have have consequences, and All Appliances, Floored Storage Attic, Cathedral Ceiling, ed 5-2, with directors ed 5-2, with Patdirectors Renaud Patand Renaud and –the should recovered by adding He also reminded Fireplace, Skylights, 8ACeiling Fans,toWalk-In Brazil- by by audit of wrong-doing of wrong-doing on Thompson’s on Thompson’s partthe that assembled part that A decision decision to revisit revisit theCloset, contract the contract with withthe election electionbeofof Hill Hillandand Slobodan Slobodan Cheryl JacobsCheryl dissenting, Jacobs dissenting, to go into to go into an identical amount to next year’s lot aslian CherryPlanked Hardwood Flooring, Vaulted Ceiling, property owners that the original 2016wouldwould have justifi haveedjustifi a termination ed a termination for for the Aug.the 31Aug. deadline 31 deadline wouldwould havehave opened opened Trendic Trendic itit was was apparent apparent that that Thompson Thompson closed sessionclosed to discuss session to Thompson’s discuss Thompson’s Recessed Lighting, Upgraded Maple Full-Panel Cabinets, sessment. That’s the equivalent of about 17 budget had contained about $105,500 cause. cause. a two-month a two-month window window for the for board the board and and no no longer longer had had a a solid solid majority majority of supof supcontract, which contract, had been whichextended had been for extended for Tops, Ceramic Tile, Black-Top Driveway, Large Granite Counter $32 per property. projected food truck surpluses, which Thein The termination termination for convenience for convenience Thompson Thompson to Dock, renegotiate, to10,000 renegotiate, porters porterson on the the board. board. Screened Porch, 8X25 Foot Poundsomething Boatsomething Lift, three years onthree Aprilyears 28. on April 28. At the March regular meeting, she he and most of his board colleagues nevWalking Distance To Golf Course & Country Club On Quiet means means that Thompson that Thompson will reap will a generreap a generthat Thompson that Thompson probably probably would would have have Indeed, Indeed, there there was was an an expectation expectation Undisclosed atUndisclosed the time at thethecontract time the contract was less definitive, when she merely er regarded as a realistic number. Last Cul-De-Sac. Ideal welcomed. For Year-Round Living OrApril, Vacation Get-Aous severance ous severance package, package, including including salary salary welcomed. Back in Back April, in he offered he offered to to in in the the community community that, that, at at some some point, point, extension wasextension made public was made was public a prowas a propresented options on how to deal with year’s board never authorized the forWay. and benefi and ts benefi for nine ts for months, nine although months, although drop drop amenity-based bonusbonus incentives incentives in in the Thompson’s Thompson’s contract contract probably would would bethen be vision that allows visionthe that“new allowsboard” the “new – in board” – inamenity-based deficit. She told probably her colleagues mer general manager to purchase the apparently apparently he no longer heany nowill longer be eligible will be eligible exchange for a more for a more predictable predictable incenincen- that terminated terminated by the new newboard. board. Init pubIn pubthis case, the board this case, that thehad board three that new had three new exchange options by forthe dealing with include food truck in event, but neither last for any for bonuses. any bonuses. tive package, tive package, but the but board the board at the at the time time lished lished accounts, accounts, Thompson Thompson himself himself said said raising the assessment next year to year’s nor the current board adjusted members as amembers result of as this a result summer’s of this summer’s Hathaway PenFed Realty Nine months of salary ofworks salary outworks to that out the to voted voted to extend 6-1 to extend the contract the contract for for an-an- offset hehewas was expecting expecting the theboard board to move toequivalent move in a in a Nine the loss, taking the themonths budget to reflect the fact OPA election –OPA to revisit electionthe – Berkshire tocontract revisit theexcontract ex- 6-1 Ocean Pines South Gate - 11001 Manklin Meadows Oceanwithout Pines MDwithout 21811 $123,750 $123,750 work fornever that work need that not be need per-not be perotherLane, years three years change. change. new newdirection. direction. amount out of reserves, or acknowledgfoodfortruck happened. tension, whether tension, to renegotiate whether to renegotiate it or ter- it other or ter- three formed. formed. New anointed New anointed OPA OPA President President Tom Tom ing Thompson served served sixsix years years as generaswithout generitThompson on the OPA balance sheet 410-208-3500 1-866-666-1727 (Toll Free) “When you factor this is, it was pretty minate it, or keep minate it in it, force or keep asit written. in force as • written. The veil Theover veildeliberations over deliberations in closed closed taking either of those actions. She did Herrick Herrick was the was only the only director director to vote to vote much close to break-even,” Hillinsaid. al al manager, manager, and and that’s that’s well well within within the the The specifi contract ed an specifi Aug. 31 an Aug. 31 of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway Home©2016The BHH Afficontract liates, LLC. An independently owned anded operated franchisee not recommend any particular action. For the year, the Yacht Club food and Equal Services and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service against marks extension. of HomeServices of America, Inc. against the the extension. One One of the of the direcdirecaverage average time time of of service service for for managers managers of of deadline for making deadline afordecision making aondecision the on the
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OPA FINANCES Strong April From Page 28 beverage operations and golf operations were the big losers, both in the actual losses recorded and compared to budget. The Yacht Club lost $228,694 and missed its budget by $263,190. Golf lost $181,789 and missed its budget by $48,411. These two amenities cost the association $410,483 in red ink for the year. The best performing amenity for the year, as is customary, was Beach Club parking, which generated a $392,308 surplus, exceeding budget by $24,607. Marina operations also produced a healthy surplus of $206,172, better than budget by $45,786. Another perennial cash cow for the OPA, the Beach Club food and beverage operation, recorded an $119,458 surplus but missed its budget by a $14,643. Aquatics had its second consecutive year of operating close to break-even. It lost $18,045 for the year, while beating its budgeted loss by $31,787. Had Aquatics Director Colby Phillips’s salary been shared with recreation and parks and other departments, reflecting additional responsibilities assigned to her last November, it’s likely that the Aquatics Department would have broken even or even made money for the year. It’s conceivable that her salary will be adjusted by the auditors to reflect her actual responsibilities.
June 2017Ocean Pines PROGRESS Of the three racquet sports, all three did better than budget. Tennis lost $9,513 for the year, but exceeded budget by $6,820. Platform tennis netted $913 for the year, beating its budget by $4,549. Pickleball earned $5,968 for the year, ahead of budget by $4,454. The Parks and Recreation Department, funded by lot assessments and program fees, cost property owners $474,800 in operating losses for the year, but that was much better than budget. The positive variance to budget was a significant $78,180, by far the best performing department compared to budget in 2016-17. Reserve Summary – The OPA through April 30 had $5,772,309 in total reserves, a modest drop from March’s total of $6.24 million. The reserve balance was composed of $3.442 million in the Major Maintenance and Replacement reserve at the end of April. There are two components of the maintenance and replacement reserve. One, the so-called historical reserve, composed of funded depreciation, had a balance of $4,708,538 as of April 30. The supplemental legacy reserve, once known as the five-year-plan, carried a negative balance of $921,375, Balance Sheet – As of April 30, the OPA had total assets of $39.5 million, above the $37.952 million for the same time in the prior year. The assets were matched by $10.354 million in liabilities and $29.158 million in owner equity.
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30 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
June 2017
January 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
COVER STORY
Wood DuckHerrick Isle properties Stevens, downplay possibility that surveillance violated Maryland law identified for emergency Directors question sharing of controversial recording with one of bulkhead replacement
T
ing a conversation without both parties
immediate saysplace. aware that a action, recordingHill is taking
Ocean Pines Association officers Tom tial outlays in the future, Hill Herrick, therequired OPA president, and Dave seemed to be saying that any waterfront Stevens, the vice-president, in separate differential holiday potentially be occasions both toldwould the Progress they a big mistake. didn’t believe any crime was committed he hasthe not cameras backed off of that by Indeed, Hill because were set view light of the to recently completup in in three locations determine who ed survey bulkheading throughout might haveofbeen entering the adminOcean Pines. But other directors will be
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By TOM STAUSS Worm infestation requires Publisher here has been much speculation a holiday in the waterfront differential, on oceanpinesforum.com, and an idea advocated by Director Slobodan even some opinion-laced reportTrendic in the absence of a new multiing in the local print media, that three year bulkhead replacement program. surveillance cameras installed several The original 35-year program is now months ago by Acting General Manager approaching year 40. Brett Hill in the administration buildWith evidence of a worm infestaing violated state law that prohibits taption, and with the potential of substan-
weighing in on the matter once the written report on the condition of the bulkheads is provided to them After Hill made his comments about the “scary proposition” facing the OPA with respect to bulkheads, Trendic continued to insist that Hill needed to prestheir colleagues, Cheryl Jacobs ent clear, convincing evidence of need before thebuilding OPA continued to collect monistration after hours to snoop ey from waterfront owners. into private documents. The cameras, according to Hill, were “If we don’t have a bulkhead plan, installed in his office, the office of the how do we taking director of justifying finance, and in the themoney?” payroll he asked his colleagues. He said that if office. Wood Duck bulkheads arenoinintensuch They bothIsle said there was poor condition because of worms, “let’s tion by Hill to record any private converdocument it” before collecting sations without permission. Theymoney both that may not be needed. noted a provision in state law that ab-
.
,
13
Herrick
Stevens
solves an individual of inadvertently or unintentionally recording conversations in which both individuals are not aware of the presence of recording equipment. That loophole in effect says that if the individual installing recording equipment was unaware that his doing might run afoul of state law, he or she could cite that ignorance as a successful defense against prosecution. Without clear and convincing evidence that there was a nefarious purpose behind the installation of security cameras, it’s unlikely that a prosecution would even occur, they suggested. The two OPA officials say that if anything improper occurred with any of the recorded content of the camera surveillance system, it might have occurred when the former director of finance, Mary Bosack, shared a copy of a recorded conversation between herself and Hill, with an OPA board member, Cheryl Jacobs. There’s been much speculation during the recorded conversation Hill made disparaging remarks about certain OPA department heads, but that has not been verified. The board is under an attorney-recommended gag order not to discuss the contents of the recording or details of a recent special meeting, closed to the OPA membership, in which Bosack’s sudden resignation from her position as director of finance was the subject of considerable, reportedly heated, debate among the directors. Stevens said while Bosack’s sharing the recorded conversation with Jacobs might have been ill-advised, he said it, too, didn’t rise to level of a prosecutable crime. “Nothing’s going to come of it either,” he predicted. The kerfuffle over the surveillance exposed a yawning gap between Stevens and Director Slobodan Trendic, who, along with Jacobs, backed Bosack in her dispute with Hill and wanted Hill removed as acting general manager. What was perhaps unusual is that difference of perspective played out in a very public way, with dueling postings on oceanpinesforum.com in a thread labeled “Mary Bosack.” After Hill confirmed in a post that three cameras had been installed in the administration building, and made a reference to Bosack, Trendic wrote that he wanted “to go on record that I find Mr. Hill’s disclosure of this yet to be reviewed and verified information by this Board totally unacceptable. To Page 32
June 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
31
COVER STORY
June 2017
Surveillance From Page 30 “Speaking for myself as an individual Director, I have many questions for the acting general manager as to who ordered such surveillance and why was the Board not made aware of it (until many months later),” he said. “Furthermore, Mr. Hill’s unilateral decision to identify the employee by name (Bosack) to a social media source just caused additional problem to an already difficult situation,” Trendic wrote. He said that “personnel matters of this magnitude should strictly follow confidentially rules and procedures that are based on relevant human resources policy.” Stevens in a sharply worded post indicated that he didn’t much care for Trendic’s analysis of the situation. “I wish to go on record that I find Director Hill’s disclosure, in the context of information already made public, to be perfectly acceptable,” Stevens wrote. “Speaking for myself as an individual Director, I also have questions, but not of Brett, who has full responsibility for the security of the facility and the authority to implement necessary corrective measures. “My question is whether the cameras and videos have been used for their
intended purpose and not improperly distributed to others for their own purposes.,” Stevens said. He added that, “given that Mary’s resignation has been made public through (a press) release and is the sole subject of a Trendic long chain of e-mails … I fail to see how mention of Mary’s name in an e-mail about her constitutes a ‘unilateral decision to identify the employee by name,” Stevens said. According to Stevens, the last sentence in Trendic’s post “is yet another in a long list of platitudes from Mr. Trendik that lack any specificity or meaning.” According to some accounts, Stevens and Trendic continued their contentious debate in the closed meeting in late May in which Bosack’s resignation and the possibility of terminating Hill as acting general manager were on the agenda. Several hours later, there was no board consensus. Stevens’s view of the matter prevailed, with only Trendic and Jacobs concluding that the matter justified Hill’s removal as acting GM.
Bosack resignation From Page 1 was Trendic who offered the motion to go into closed session under terms of the Maryland Homeowners Association Act. Trendic and Jacobs apparently were basing their opposition to Hill at least in part on a recording, containing both audio and video images, of a meeting between Hill and Bosack. The contents of that provocative recording have not been made public, but Trendic and Jacobs apparently regarded it as compelling enough to justify Hill’s removal as acting general manager. Jacobs reportedly is the only director who has seen or heard parts or all of the recording, which was said to have been initially obtained by Bosack from a controversial, three-camera surveillance system installed in the Administration building by Hill. The cameras, which have since been deactivated, were installed in Hill’s office, the office of the finance director, and in the more open payroll department, according to Hill. The acting general manager installed the cameras as a security measure after he was told of unexplained and unauthorized nocturnal visits to the administration building, with some evidence of document tampering but no obvious theft. He did not inform the board or ask
for board permission to do so, believing that he had the authority to make that call to install the cameras as acting general manager. The so-called Nest cameras can be linked in real time to a smart phone and both audio and video can be recorded and saved for later. It was a saved copy of the conversation between Hill and Bosack that was subsequently shared by Bosack with Jacobs, sources say. Hill in a post on oceanpinesforum. com and other directors who support him said he installed the camera system for surveillance purposes only at the request of Bosack. The former director of finance, or at least someone claiming to be her, posted a response denying that she had made such a request or was even aware of the camera and audio equipment that recorded her image and voice. In a comment that was not followed up by any explanation or detail, the individual claiming to be Bosack then disclosed that she was retaining legal counsel to address what she said were “defamatory” comments made by Hill, under circumstances that were not explained. The post did not name individuals who allegedly were defamed or what was said about them. Oceanpinesforum.com owner and
q
32 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
6/30/17.
COVER STORY
June 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
Bosack resignation From Page 32 moderator Joe Reynolds said in the chain of posts under the title of “Mary Bosack” that he had no reason not to believe that it was indeed the former finance director who made the post alleging that Hill had made defamatory comments. That Bosack had retained legal counsel raised speculation on the forum site that Bosack will be suing the OPA for a series of offenses ranging from defamation to maintaining a hostile workplace environment. But Bosack herself did not make a statement as to her intentions other than consulting with an attorney. A consultation with an attorney can just as easily result in a decision not to pursue litigation as it can to initiate legal action. The OPA’s Bethesda-based legal counsel, Jeremy Tucker, attended the closed meeting of the board May 23 and reportedly advised the directors not to view or listen to the recording that Bosack made available to Jacobs alone among the directors. Multiple viewings or publication or widespread dissemination of content alleged to be defamatory increases the potential damage. In this case, since the alleged defamatory content has been closely held, any
potential liability for the OPA might be minimal on a count of defamation, but could be used in support of a claim of a hostile workplace environment, as one Ocean Pines resident, Steve Lind, speculated on oceanpinesforum.com. OPA officials discount the possibility that a hostile workplace environment contributed to Bosack’s departure. In an email to the Progress shortly after Bosack resigned, Herrick said that “you would have to ask her the true reason she resigned and walked away without giving any notice at all.” Lack of notice by a person in a top management position is unusual. As it turns out, some notice was given. Bosack in effect gave the board one week to decide whether it wanted to retain her services or Hill as acting general manager. Went that week went by without a change in Hill’s status, she followed through with what she said she would do. Herrick said that he personally believes Bosack “may have been overwhelmed and did not expect her task to be so difficult. She struggled this month (May) and was frustrated by the burden of doing both the yearly financials and the monthly due at the same time. She expressed concerns in regard to problems she had encountered in receiving proper information from staff in a time-
ly manner, additional requirements being placed upon her (particularly in the requested oversight of accounting in Public Works) and requested the need for additional support staff.” According to Herrick, Hill “took immediate steps to help alleviate her concerns and offered assistance to remedy the situation. He notified the Board he would request an additional full-time position to be allocated to CPI (the Compliance, Permits and Inspections Department) to provide needed assistance in that department. This request was based on the recommendation from (the CPI’s) Linda Martin.” Herrick said that Hill “additionally offered part-time assistance from one of our current employees, who has background experience in accounting, to as-
33
sist department heads in formulating and processing their monthly reports for submission. Mary was also given consent to begin the interview process for a position in procurement for her department and began doing so.” Herrick said that Hill had taken “quick and decisive actions in order to immediately assist in putting her concerns to rest. Two days later, she put out her resignation letter effective immediately.” The resignation letter did not offer an explanation for her decision to resign, Herrick confirmed. Hill recently told the Progress that Viola, well versed in OPA accounting procedures as chairman of the Budget and Finance Advisory Committee, has stepped in as finance director with nothing lost in the rapid transition.
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34 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
LIFESTYLES
June 2017
Monday, June 12 Friends of the Ocean Pines Library, mid-year membership meeting, Ocean Pines library, 9:30 a.m.. Guest speaker: Stephanie Flower of Salt Water Media, a small self-publishing company in Berlin. Thursday, June 15 Bus trip to Harrington casinos, sponsored by the the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines/Ocean City. $20 per person payable to Kiwanis OP/OC, includes $15 Slot Play, $7 voucher toward the lunch buffet ($13.95) and bus transportation. Bus leaves 10 a.m. from the Ocean Pines Yacht Club Parking Lot. Reservation deadline June 13. Reservations/information, Tom or Barbara Southwell, 410641-5456. Pine’eer Craft Club, monthly meeting, Ocean Pines Community Center, 10 a.m., refreshments 9:45 a.m., Guests welcome. Sharon, 410-208-3032.
HAPPENINGS by the Ocean Pines Anglers Club, 9-11 a.m., South Gate pond. Bring your own rod and insect repellent, bait and water will be provided. Pond is stocked with several varieties of fish. Members of the Anglers Club, DNR and other local groups will offer fishing tips and general fishing information. Drawing for a free rod and reel . Free. No pre-registration is required. Walt Boge, 410-208-2855.
Thursday, June 22 Republican Women of Worcester County, June luncheon meeting, 11 a.m., Captains Table Restaurant, 15th Street at Baltimore Ave., Ocean City, MD. Topic: Legal immigration. $20 per person. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Reservations, Pat Addy, 410-208-0171or gorpataddy@aol.
a.m., Ocean Pines Community Center, $6 adults, $3 children under 12, free for children under 5. Freshly prepared pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs and beverages. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling Ralph Chinn at 410-208-6719 or from any Kiwanian. Carry-out available. Money raised supports scholarships for local students.
Ongoing
Free platform tennis clinics, Saturdays at noon, Manklin Meadows tennis complex. Bring sneakers, the rest is provided. Free pickleball clinics, Manklin Meadows sports complex, Manklin Creek Road, Ocean Pines 21811. June 10, 8 a.m.; June 22, 4 p.m.; July 8. 8 a.m., Wednesday, June 21 July 20, 4 p.m.; Aug. 12, 8 a.m., Aug. 24, Ocean Pines Association, Candi4 p.m. The clinics will be conducted by dates forum, featuring candidates for Saturday, June 24 the Board of Directors, 2017 election. Community Shred day, hosted Pickleball Club members on the eight Community Center’s Assateague room, by the AARP Maryland, Ocean Pines brand new courts at the facility. InforSaturday, June 17 7 p.m.. Hosted by Ocean Pines Elections library, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Donation of mation or to register contact John HanTeach a Kid to Fish Day, sponsored Committee. canned goods or money encouraged, ben- berry, Jhanberry@comcast.net or by phone at 703-598-6119. efit the local food bank. Line dance classes, Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 -10:30 a.m., Ocean Tuesday, July 4 Ocean Pines Association’s 5th an- Pines Community Center. Beginners nual Freedom 5K, Veterans Memorial welcome. Betty Daugherty, 410-726Park, 11144 Cathell Road, Ocean Pines, 1818, or bettydau@aol.com. Ocean Pines Remote Control 8 a.m., registration 7 a.m. $35. Course Sailboating Association, Monday and map can be accessed through the OC Tri Thursday, May-September (weather Running link at oceanpines.org. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to permitting), 10 a.m. to noon, South Gate Pond, Ocean Pines. No motors or power Home of the famous ”SMITH ISLAND CAKE” the Athletes Serving Athletes. allowed – only remote-controlled sailFourth of July events, hosted by the Ocean Pines Department of boats. Currently all members are sailDAY TRIPS: Leaves Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, MD Daily at 12:30 pm Parks and Recreation, Veterans Me- ing “Victoria” model boats. Commodore morial Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Waters- Ed Ryan, 203-249-7491 or J. David Lee, ISLAND AMENITIES: Bayside Inn Restaurant famous for Crab Cakes & Smith Island Cake Gift Shops • Museum • Golf Cart • Bike Rentals lides, carnival games, a dunking booth 240-593-2105, for more information. Square Dance Club, Wednesdays, Call for Reservations and concessions. Fee for a water bounce Directions: Rt. 413 to Crisfield, 7-9 p.m., Ocean Pines Community wristband $6. turn left after Fire Department, Stop at Center with caller Dennis O’Neal. VisCapt. Tyler’s Motel for cruise tickets itors welcome. The group also hosts www.smithislandcruises.com Saturday, July 8 Kiwanis pancake breakfast, 8-11 a dance the fourth Saturday of the month from 7-9:30 p.m., Ocean Pines Community Center. Guest callers lead the dancers with music and choreogDON'T WAIT raphy. Arlene Hager, 302-436-4033. SPRAY NOW! 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OPINION
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June 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
Rallying behind the acting GM
hile some of the recent board turmoil over alleged actions of the acting general manager is disturbing, it hardly is surprising that a board majority – five of seven members – continues to rally behind Brett Hill and his remaining as acting general manager for awhile longer. With the arrival of a new general manager possible in the next several months, a board majority apparently felt there was little to be gained by appointing a replacement for Hill. The same majority seems to believe that Hill’s removal would signal that he has does something really, really wrong and verifiably so. Rather than make that concession, while disrupting operations more than they have been already by rumors, speculation, staff dissension and fake news – one recent headline blamed the wholesale house-cleaning of top management in Ocean Pines by Hill on secret surveillance – five directors seem content with the status quo, perhaps with a slightly ginned up pace at finding a replacement for Hill. In fact, as best as the Progress has been able to determine, only one department head’s recent departure is in any way related to the much ballyhooed installation of security cameras in the administration building with the aim of detecting some mysterious after-hours paper tampering. Some recent reporting in the local press blamed multiple firings and resignations on the presence of cameras, but this seems not to have been the case. In some cases, but not all, the departures could be described as “creative differences” between Hill and the departed. He has been a disrupter-in-chief in his herculean efforts to remake the OPA, and that has led to substantial shake-ups in senior management. The unforced resignation of the former director of finance seems to have had more to do with the content of a particular video, or perhaps other comments off-camera, than the act of recording video and audio without the informed consent of everyone being recorded. As it turns out, one particularly controversial recording apparently occurred with the full knowledge of the participants, which isn’t to say that all parties involved were necessarily happy with the fact of the recording. If all participants were aware that a camera was active during a particular meeting, then it would seem that no law has been broken. Furthermore, if the individual who set up the audio component was unaware that state law in Maryland prohibits audio recordings without the informed consent of all participants, then this appears to be a legitimate defense – loophole if you will – written into the law. The loophole makes successful prosecutions an uphill climb, which is why they’re far and few between in Maryland. In retrospect, OPA management erred in allowing audio recording of
35
one director, Cheryl Jacobs. If it stays restricted to that limited universe, any damage from the alleged defamation is An excursion through the curious cul-de-sacs An excursion through theby-ways curious and by-ways and cul-de-sacs going to be difficult to establish. Perhaps that’s why no one from the of Worcester County’s County’s most densely community. of Worcester mostpopulated densely populated community. board majority was eager to listen to By TOM STAUSS/ By TOM Publisher STAUSS/Publisher the recording in which alleged defamatory comments were made. If they were meetings, along with the video, in the was consulting with a lawyer, presumacting on the advice of counsel, this is GM’s office, the office of the director of fi- ably over issues related to her recent one instance in which such advice seems nance, and the payroll department. That resignation. Consulting a lawyer is a justified. The downside of it, however, the audio recording of conversations in long way from actually filing suit, of is that the board majority perhaps did these three locations might well run course. not have all the information it could There was some “she-said-he-said” afoul of state law seems to be recognized have had in which to base a decision on by everyone now that it’s been litigated dueling on the forum site, with Hill whether Hill should continue as acting in print, on-line and in a closed board claiming that it was Bosack who asked general manager. meeting, with participants in the latter for surveillance cameras as a way of People often consult attorneys for a under a lawyer-imposed gag order, given getting to the bottom of nocturnal vistamyriad of reasons, sometimes with the the possibility of litigation, the kind that tions to the finance department. Bosack aim of seeing whether adequate grounds flatly contracted that assertion, claimis dealt with in the courtrooms. exist for pursuing a civil claim in the The Progress has learned that the ing that it was Hill who came up with courts. Until such time as Bosack or audio component of the three adminis- the idea of the cameras and Hill who any other aggrieved department heads tration building surveillance system has installed them. take legal action, there really is nothing The so-called “Nest” cameras came been deactivated for some time, as soon substantive that can be reported about as management realized the original sin with live streaming to smart phones what has transpired thus far. The reequipped with the relevant app. of setting up the audio features. sult of consultations with lawyers often She also made reference to someSpeculation runs amok on what is that no litigation occurs. What seems future litigation might involve, from thing defamatory that Hill allegedly initially as an issue ripe for legal action defamation of character to a hostile said, without providing any detail when soon fades in the harsh reality of costs workplace environment. Possible unau- asked by a poster to do so. We don’t and perceived benefits. Sometimes movthorized surveillance would add some know the nature of the alleged defamaing on is the best move of all. seasoning to this litigious soup. Specula- tion or even who might have been the The oceanpinesforum.com “Mary Botion does not constitute any hard, prov- object of it. She did not say that it was sack” thread, with almost 400 individuable fact, however, and that’s something she who had been defamed al posts, makes for interesting reading, If a video and audio recording of that should be kept in mind by everyone but that’s not to say that it offers much with an interest in the current state of these allegedly defamatory comments in the way of answers to questions reaexists, then defamation might occur affairs. sonable people might have about the At this point, the possibility of future with the widespread broadcast of the circumstances that led to her departure litigation is based on little more than recording’s audio content. As best as it from Ocean Pines. a single, brief posting on Joe Reynolds’ can be determined, those who have both Those answers may never be forthoceanpinesforum.com by the former di- seen and heard the offending recording coming, especially if no litigation emergrector of finance, Mary Bosack, that she are restricted, perhaps to Bosack and es from all the smoke.
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36 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
OPINION
June 2017
COMMENTARY
Colby Phillips: The better choice for OPA GM
T
he Board of Directors, perhaps spurred by some recent controversy involving the acting general manager, would like to pick up the pace in selecting a full-time, professional replacement to replace Brett Hill, who’s been filling in for the past nine months. Even taking into account some hits to his street cred by the Ocean Pines rumor mill, his tenure has been the most productive of any GM in recent memory. More has been accomplished in these nine months, which of course would not have happened without the approval and solid support of the Board of Directors, than in the tenures of previous general managers that were on the job for years. Hyperbole? Not really. Hill and this current board have literally saved property owners millions of dollars over what probably would be spent in coming years in an unnecessary and spendthrift replacement of OPA assets. Instead, the board and Hill in particular have articulated and are acting to implement an aggressive renovation and repair program affecting the Beach Club, the Country Club, police department, administration building and OPA-owned bridges, while adding new amenities like outdoor pickleball courts and a new playground at the Manklin Meadows recreational complex. That said, Hill’s tenure is winding down as a volunteer, acting role is bound to. It would appear that the board will find a replacement sometime in the July to August timeframe, depending on how well the vetting process goes in an initial meeting of finalists and the board scheduled for the third week of June. The board has been using the professional services of a consulting group to help screen applicants and reduce the number to a manageable few before the board commences interviews with the finalists. It was this same Novak Group that recommended to the board that it set a salary of $150,000 to $170,000 for a new general manager, based not on comparable salaries for the Lower Eastern Shore for similar positions but some larger homeowner associations around Washington, D.C. The utter folly of that is evident by the cost of housing in this area versus that of the nation’s capital. While it’s not necessary or even desirable to abort the Novak-driven process of hiring a new GM this close to the interviewing stage – nor would it be fair to the applicants who have submitted resumes in good faith – it should not be too late for an 11th hour entrant in the GM sweepstakes. We would encourage a certain homegrown alternative to submit a resume to the Novak Group and for the board, through the interview process set up a few months ago, to give this homegrown alternative a fair hearing. This homegrown alternative is Colby Phillips, the OPA’s aquatics director whose portfolio of responsibilities has been expanded to include the parks and recreation department, the racquet sports amenities, and Beach Club parking. Give her a few more responsibilities, and she will already be a defacto GM. By all accounts, she has forged harmonious working relationships with the strong slate of department heads assembled by Hill, from Public Works Director Eddie Wells to the new director of finance John Viola and Facilities Manager Jerry Layfield. The turn-around of the Aquatics Department has been astonishing in just two short years with her in
charge of the budget and programming. The recreation department under her budgetary oversight has just accomplished the unthinkable: a $78,000 positive variance to budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year just ended. Humble to a fault, she credits the team that she works with – not over – for these important successes. Not too many months ago, Hill approached her to see if she was interested in the GM position, and the Progress made some inquiries as well. She initially demurred, noticing that the GM role in Ocean Pines has been a contentious one historically with an unpredictable shelf life. As if to verify that observation, it didn’t take too long for Hill to come under fire by critics, with a portion of that driven by animus towards the board majority and its political agenda. But more recently, the Progress has learned, she has been reconsidering, and that could be extremely good news, especially if the board could see its way to avoiding the calamity of replacing Hill with an overpriced outsider. The Progress has it on good authority that she would be content with a $100,000 annual salary, a three-year contract and a reasonable (by Ocean Pines’ standards) severance package to protect her in the event politics intervenes. What’s not to like about that? That would mean she would be paid less than the new director of finance, whose $130,000 salary is rather generous relative to similar positions in the area but perhaps not under the circumstances -- the deplorable state of the OPA’s antiquated financial infrastructure. It’s a testament to her lack of ego that she could live with a department head making more than she does, and that fact shows she might be a perfect fit for Ocean Pines and the homeowners association that runs it. She would be starting off with a huge reservoir of good will if she would accept a compensation package roughly half that the last paid GM, whose bonuses put his compensation in his last full year at the helm in excess of $200,000. That reservoir of good will is already solidly in place by the strength of her job performance and exemplary people skills. Her ability to work well with her colleagues and emphasis on team-building is exactly what is needed in Ocean Pines after Hill’s momentous tenure. She has not managed a major food and beverage operation, but that hardly should be disqualifying. By introducing a limited food and drink operation to the Swim and Racquet Club last summer – by all accounts a hit – she arguably has more experience in that space than her predecessors did coming into the job. Moreover, she has worked with the OPA’s food and beverage manager, Brian Townsend, to add food service to the Mumford’s Landing pool this summer by inaugurating a shuttle service to and from the nearby marina store. This doesn’t mean she could walk into the Yacht Club and instantly turn it into a profit center, but, to be fair, has anyone, anytime in the history of Ocean Pines managed that? Joe Reinhart came close six or so years ago, but then was promptly rewarded for his superb performance with termination. He didn’t quite jive with the new GM who arrived on the scene. There’s every reason to believe Phillips would work closely with Townsend to reduce Yacht Club food and beverage losses.
According to one very reliable source, she is favorably disposed to an idea recently proposed by retiring director Dave Stevens to operate the Country Club second floor during the winter months as an alternative to the very expensive Yacht Club. This is very encouraging. An outsider coming into the GM position is not going to be able to formulate an intelligent position on food and beverage operations until many months after arriving on the scene. Colby Phillips already knows the players and the issues; no on-the-job training required on that score. By temperament, she is collaborative and would likely have meaningful conversations with the board before embarking on any substantive policy change. Her presence would have a healing effect on the board, roiled by divisions over the extent to which Hill should have consulted with the directors before implementing certain initiatives. Not encumbered with a male ego, she would likely err on the side of consultation with the board if any initiative could possibly cross the line into policy. Her intuition would tell her if and when an idea could trigger unnecessary rancor and division within Ocean Pines. There would be some who might suggest she should be given a chance to manage the OPA because she’s a woman and it’s time to break through the glass ceiling. She should be given the opportunity not because of gender but because, objectively, she has the skill set to be an extremely effective GM. The historic nature of such a hiring, on the cusp of Ocean Pines’ 50th anniversary, would simply be an added bonus. – Tom Stauss
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
PUBLISHER/EDITOR Tom Stauss tstauss1@mchsi.com 443-359-7527
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CONTRIBUTING WRITER Rota Knott InkwellMedia@comcast.net 443-880-1348
CAPTAIN’S COVE
June 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
By TOM STAUSS Publisher he Captain’s Cove association’s Board of Directors is awaiting documentation from its attorney, Inman and Strickler, detailing its rationale for recommendations concerning possible revisions to the association’s organizational documents. “They’ve not been received yet,” Cove association president Tim Hearn told the Progress in a June 8 telephone interview. “I’m hoping for the paperwork in the next couple of weeks,” in time to be discussed by the board at its scheduled June 29 meeting in the Marina Club’s banquet room. The posted agenda for the meeting includes discussion of a report on the proposed organizational revisions, and Hearn said that still is possible, especially if the attorneys are able to produce the documents before the meeting. Previously, Hearn had said that once the attorneys completed their documentation, a representative of the firm would be invited to explain the firm’s recommendations to the Cove membership at a board meeting. Hearn said it may not be possible for that to happen at the June meeting, but at least he said he’s hoping that the written documenta-
T
tion would be produced by then. “There was no deadline for the attorneys (to submit their report),” he added. Canal water quality – A controversy of sorts has been playing out on the Cove association’s message board, part of the association’s Web site available only to property owners, about water quality in the canals throughout the community. While the canals are officially considered unsafe for shellfishing, at least for some species of shellfish, some residents routinely harvest crabs from the canals because crabs, as opposed to other species, are known not to stay in one place and might be considered safer for consumption. Hearn and some Cove members have been exchanging barbed comments on the extent to which septic systems in parts of the Cove not served by sewer leach into the groundwater and indirectly contaminate the canals. Hearn downplayed the extent to which that might happen, contending that septic systems are located far enough from the canals so as not to be a major source of water pollution. Other possible sources of contaminants finding their way into the canals include driveway run-off and weed-killer used by residents, according to some
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of the posts. The bottom line is that consuming crabs taken from Cove canals is a do-itat-your-own risk proposition. Traffic Group report – Hearn reported another item that is on the June 29 agenda, a presentation by the Traffic Group consulting firm on the result of a traffic study on Captain’s Corridor. He said the firm should be ready with some preliminary ideas of where “traffic calming” devices or solutions can be implemented. At a previous board meeting, there was discussion of a second traffic count study sometime over the summer months, when the residential population is at its highest, infused with vacationers and second home owners. Whether that will be necessary is yet to be determined. Think Big update -- There are two significant developments in the ongoing effort to bring fiber optic cable and high speed Internet service to Captain’s Cove by Think Big Networks, an Internet service provider, and its partnering firm, FTS Systems. Judy Morgan, Think Big’s sales manager, has reported that lawyers for Cove developers, CCG Note and affiliated companies, Think Big and FTS have
completed the easement agreement that will allow FTS to lay fiber optic cable on developer-controlled property throughout the community. That will allow Think Big to execute service agreements with homeowners throughout the Cove. Once 350 such agreements are in place, FTS will be able to begin laying cable in those sections of Captain’s Cove where homes exist. That is expected to occur over the summer, she said. Roughly 200 or so homeowners indicated interest in signing up for the Think Big high-speed service in recent months, and those people will be among the first who will be approached to commit to a service agreement. Cost of monthly service is just under $90, including a $5.09 easement fee that the developer is charging as part of its operating agreement with Think Big and FTS.
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Captain’s Cove -- Hidden Hidden Treasure Treasure on on Virginia’s Virginia’s Eastern EasternShore Shore 3BR/2BA 3BR/2BA 1288 1288 sq. sq. ft., ft., Rancher, Rancher, Cathedral Cathedral Ceilings, Ceilings,Trex Trex Deck Deck
Doubloon Doubloon Drive• Drive• $171,900 $171,900 37316 37316Doubloon Doubloon Dr. Dr. •• $171,900 $171,900
22BR/2 BR/2BA, BA,1,104 1,104sqsqft.ft.Rancher Rancher Den/offi Den/office, ce,Screen ScreenPorch Porch
3BA BR/2 BR/2 BA, BA, 1,349 1,349 sqsq ft. ft. Model, 3BR/2 3BR/23BA 1288 1288 sqsq ft., ft.,Sea Sea Robin Robin Model, Front FrontPorch, Porch, Hardwood Hardwood Floors Screen Screen Porch PorchFloors
3BR/2BA 3BR/2BA 1496 1496 sqsq ft. ft. Hardwood Hardwood Floors, Floors, Laundry Laundry Area, Area, Screen Screen Porch Porch
3 BR/ 3B
3102 3102Meridian MeridianDr Dr..••$176,500 $176,500
37453 37453 Beam Beam Court Court ••$209,500 $209,500 37 37 Doubloon Doubloon Dr Dr .Corridor• • . •$194,900 $194,900 4155 4155 Captain’s Captain’s Corridor• $215,000 $215,000
2470 2470Buccaneer Buccaneer Blvd Blvd •• $215,000 $215,000
3251 32
NEW NEW CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
GOLF GOLF COURSE COURSE NEW NEW CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
UNDER UNDER CONTRACT CONTRACT 33BR/2 BR/2BA BA1349 1349sq sqft., ft.,Golf GolfCourse, Course,Pond PondViews, Views,
Screen ScreenPorch Porch
3251 3251Salty SaltyWay Way••$335,000 $335,000
4BR/2.5BA 4BR/2.5BA •Unfinished •Unfinished 2072 2072 sq.ft., sq.ft., Sunroom, Sunroom, 722 722sqsqft., ft., Bonus Bonus Area, Area, 3BR/2.5BA 3BR/2.5BA 2380 2380 sq. sq.ft.,ft., Hardwood Hardwood Floors Floors Concrete Concrete Dr. Dr. Screen Screen Porch, Porch, Loft Loft Porch Finished FinishedBonus Bonus Room, Room, Screen Screen Porch
3505 3505Blackbeard BlackbeardCt. Ct.••$399,900 $399,900
3 BR 3 BR 2.52.5 BABA sunroom, sunroom, 2015 2015 sq sq ft.,ft., 2 sheds, 2 sheds, Sunroom, Sunroom, Three Three Season Season Room, Room, Deck Deck
3 B3 Bam Ba
©2017 2017 BHH Affi Affiliates, liates, LLC. LLC. An An independently independently owned ownedand andoperated operatedfranchisee franchiseeofofBHH BHHAffi Affi liates, liates,LLC. LLC.Berkshire BerkshireHathaway HathawayHomeServices HomeServicesand andthe the Berkshire Berkshire Hathaway Hathaway HomeServices HomeServices symbol symbol areare registered registered service service marks marks of of HomeServices HomeServices of of America, America, Inc. Inc.®® Equal Equal Housing HousingOpportunity. Opportunity.
WATERFRONT WATERFRONT
WATERFRONT WATERFRONT LOTS LOTS
DIRECT DIRECT BAYFRONT BAYFRONT LOTS LOTS
GOLF GOLFCOURSE COURSELOTS LOTS
$1,500 $1,50 $1,500 $1,50
38 Ocean Pines PROGRESS Fiber optic
June 2017
From Page 37 he said. “Most of our residents are going to buy the service anyway,” he added. Hearn said that like it or not, easement rights for telephone and other utilities are reserved by the developer in an agreement with the Cove association. He said the Cove board had no role at all in negotiating the agreements between the developer, Think Big and FTS and had no reason to take a position on them. The other significant news: Think Big shortly will be opening a marketing and
CAPTAIN’S COVE sales center in the real estate office just inside the Cove’s main entrance. Aqua update – After two recent hearings in Accomack County over proposed Cove water and sewer rate increases, only one more remains – this one in Richmond in August – before the Virginia State Corporation Commission will issue a final ruling on rates residents in the Cove will be paying for water and sewer service in the near future. The Cove message board has been engaged of late in a spirited debate between Hearn and persistent Hearn critics over a $300,000 purchase of a area
in Sections 15 and 16 that the utility is reserving for possible future use as a wastewater disposal area, called a RIB. “Cove utility customers won’t pay $300,000 dollars for RIB area to Aqua, according to SCC cccountant. Also Aqua attorney. Thanks to all who signed petition for hearing. This was a major victory for Cove members,” resident John Ward posted. Hearn responded, as he often does to posts by Ward, with a rebuttal on the facts, seasoned with sarcasm. “That decision was made several years ago at the time of the Aqua purchase, and was done ... following stan-
dard regulatory accounting standards for utility companies. The details of that fact were included in the Aqua approval process in 2015. Last week’s set of hearings played no part in that decision; the hearing officer had to repeatedly remind Mr. Ward and his group of those details. It is curious that he would now try to take credit in this manner,” Hearn said. He later clarified that the $300,000 value of the RIB property was removed as a factor in the rate-making case back in 2015 when CCUC assets were acquired by Aqua. “Nothing at all related to recent hearings,” he added.
Building Captain’s Cove One Home at a Time! ASK FOR CINDY WELSH
FEATURED HOMES sold banner on 37316 Doubloon home.
www.jabuildersllc.com Sea Robin
Dolphin
Ranch Style Home 3 BR / 2 BA 1288 Sq Ft • $134,300
Skipjack
Tiger Shark
Wahoo
Ranch Style Home 3 BR / 2 BA 1408 Sq Ft • $165,000
Marlin
Two Story Contemporary Home 3 BR / 2.5 BA 1818 Sq Ft • $200,100
Thresher
TiRaised Home on Pilings 3 BR / 2 BA 1349 Sq Ft • $181,500
$134,900
Ranch Style Home 3 BR / 2 BA 1349 Sq Ft • $148,900
Tarpon II
Ranch Style Home 3 BR / 2BA 1525 Sq Ft • $196,500
37290 Doubloon Drive
Raised Home on Pilings 3 BR / 2 BA 1745 Sq Ft • $241,600
• 3BR/2BA New Construction • 1288 sq. ft. • Open kitchen • Cathedral ceilings • Trex deck & front porch
Two Story Contemporary Home 3 BR / 2.5 BA 1874 Sq Ft • $202,700
Mako
Raised Home on Pilings 4 BR / 3.5 BA 1940 Sq Ft • $266,800
SOLD
37316 Doubloon Drive
• 3BR/2.5BA New Construction • 1497 Sq ft. • Screen porch • 1 Car garage • Hardwood Floors
$171,900 Tarpon
Two-Story Contemporary Home 3 BR / 2.5 BA 1607 Sq Ft • $177,200
Barracuda
Two Story Contemporary Home 4 BR / 2.5 BA 2050 Sq Ft • $222,700
J&A Builders specializes in spec home sales and new home construction. All of our models are “stick built” and feature a first floor master suite with standard appliance package, and Low-E windows. These are a few of our models we can build on your lot. Prices DO NOT include the cost of clearing a lot OR the lot. Homes are of similar design and may have upgrades. Prices good for Captain’s Cove, Greenbackville, Va. Only. MHBR #4790
CINDY WELSH - REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Pen Fed Realty 4323 Captain’s Corridor • PO Box 28 Greenbackville, VA. 23356 302-381-6910 (cell) • 757-854-1604 (office) 757-854-1606 (fax) • Email: candhwelsh@aol.com ©2017 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.
CAPTAIN’S COVE
June 2017 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
FIBER to the HOME in Captain’s Cove Now Accepting Subscribers!! Call: 888.318.1372
Email: sales@thinkbignets.com
Join Us! Showroom Grand Opening June 24th 4243 Captain’s Corridor 4pm-8pm
FAST and RELIABLE INTERNET www.thinkbignets.com
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40 Ocean Pines PROGRESS
June 2017
MOTORS
We have more in stock than any other dealer on Delmarva.
Everything But The Water
32415 Long Neck Road, Millsboro , DE 19966 302.945.1200 One of the Top 100 Boat Dealers in North America! WWW.SHORTSMARINE.COM