Candidates open to more outsourcing

All four candidates for the Board of Directors in this summer’s election are open to a continuation of the Ocean Pines Association current practice of out-sourcing certain services, notably the OPA’S three food and beverage operations.

The candidates recently responded to an Elections Committee question asking whether they see other areas in which out-sourcing might be appropriate.

The candidates were also asked how, if elected, they would address differences of opinion among the directors.

JERRY MURPHY - Regarding outsourcing, I feel that the current path that the Board/ Association is taking with the food and beverage contracts are very good. They are the best that Ocean Pines have had to this date...exceeding all expectations, with profits and participation at an all time high. At this time, I do not see a need for any additional outsourcing. However, I would defer to our general manager, John Viola and the various

OPA members

From Page 3 generate a complaint to CPI.

“All of the homeowners have a responsibility to uphold our declaration of restrictions,” Heavner said, adding that he personally is a rule follower. He said someone should never have to “squeal” on their neighbor. “We have to take a hard look at this,” he said, adding he would like input from the Architectural Review Committee on the matter.

Latham pointed out that the OPA only one full-time and one part-time employee handling compliance matters. “It comes at a cost,” he said of increasing enforcement, but added that he would support tougher action.

“We don’t want the place looking like Beirut. We have a beautiful community. It’s nice,” he said and added that it is important to keep it that way.

Murphy said he would consider enhancement enforcement and fines in older sections of Ocean Pines that are not currently subject to them.

“No one wants their property values to be devalued,” he said, adding he wouldn’t call it “squealing” to bring a violation to the attention of the OPA. He said there are currently only one or two OPA employees focused on enforcement.

Audience member Becky Leonard said Ocean Pines has wonderful amenities and Board members oversee the budgets and plans for those amenities. She asked the candidates if they feel it is important for Board members to committees, to suggest any areas that outsourcing might be needed.

ELAINE BRADY - Outsourcing our Food and Beverage operations certainly proved with the right local management group those facilities could be turned around in a big way. We are fortunate to be located in an area where hospitality is the main industry, making it fairly easy to find a local company who could take on that task to great success.

In our other major revenue generating operations of aquatics and golf there are few local resources with the expertise and manpower needed. An earlier attempt to bring in an out- of- area management group for golf did not go well, and there are few local resources to handle our pools, so I don’t see an opportunity at this time.

Currently the General Manager determines when he and his management team feel the need for outsourcing special projects and interim labor shortages. The board can, and should, at any time consider a recommendation by the General Manager for permanent outsourcing for be actively involved with amenities, which amenities they personally have used, and what current memberships they hold.

Brady said she has never been a member of the amenities but uses the Yacht Club and Beach Club. She said she thinks all of the Board members should become familiar with the amenities and talk to members to learn what the needs are, how the amenities can be improved to increase membership.

Heavner said he has no current membership, but said Ocean Pines was built as a resort with those amenities and they should be supported. He said the reserve study is “unbelievably detailed” regarding future facility needs, timing, and cost and the general manager does a good job of bringing those matters to the Board. He cited a successful example at the golf course where investments are paying off.

“No wonder it’s performing so well,” he said.

Latham said his family has a swim membership, uses the Yacht Club, and he recently visited the racquet center. “It’s quite a wonderful facility,” he said, adding that he would support a greater Board understanding of the amenities.

Murphy said he is not a current member of any of the amenities but said he has had Beach Club and golf memberships in the past. Now, he said he finds it easier to pay as he goes to the amenities. He cited the Beach Club as a “big issue” in the near future, and said the Board will need to remodel, refurbish, or rebuild that amenity.