Announcement

Annual GM report highlights where OPA has been, where it’s going

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

(Aug. 30, 2023) Ocean Pines has celebrated financial and other successes, but must continue to invest in public safety and infrastructure, Ocean Pines General Manager said during his annual meeting presentation on Saturday.

Viola said the Association has "something special here" because of its positive financial results, but also because of the team of staff, Board members and volunteers that helped produce those results.

During his tenure as general manager, Viola said Ocean Pines jumped-started its bulkhead and roads programs, initiated the repair and replacement of community mailboxes, and focused on drainage, maintenance, and other infrastructure needs.

Spending on drainage improvement efforts has averaged more than $500,000 during each of the last five years – while drainage spending had totaled just over $120,000 during the prior six years combined.

Other recent maintenance efforts have included the administration building that saw new paint, flooring and HVAC units, and beautification efforts focused on the North and South Gate entrances and landscaping along Ocean Parkway.

Looking at amenities, Viola said Ocean Pines invested in a new roof for the Swim and Racquet Club, and new fencing for the Yacht Club Pool.

"The fence at the Yacht Club has needed a lot of work for years. The team was able to put that together ... and that was a big win for that Yacht Club," he said.

Viola said the Beach Club benefited from maintenance and decking repairs, as well as beautification efforts like the arrival of new palm trees. He said investments there helped produce profits at Beach Parking, and the Beach Club restaurant and pool.

"It's a big number [and] it fuels a lot of the stuff that we do," he said.

Viola said recent improvements at the Golf Clubhouse – the site of the annual meeting – included acoustic panels and refurbishment of the entry hallway. He said the accordion doors between the meeting space and restaurant made it possible for the meeting to occur there.

"That was the vision [and] the concept, and what everybody worked at," he said. "The acoustic tiles brought it all together, and I think we have a real nice place here."

He added that Clubhouse Bar & Grille Manager Judie Scotti and the Matt Ortt Companies team "do a great job" with their part of the operation that includes an increasingly busy breakfast, and the NFL Sunday Ticket starting on Sept. 10.

Viola said the Golf operation has greatly benefited from the leadership of Director of Golf Bob Beckelman and Director of Golf Maintenance Justin Hartshorne.

Six years ago, Viola said he was tasked with helping to turn around conditions at the course. Today, he said they're top notch.

“Ninja tine” aeration and increased sand topdressing has improved the greens, while verticutting fairways, deep tine aeration and additional drainage work has been very beneficial.

Also notable was the addition of new golf carts and the restoration of an iconic gazebo with nearly four decades of history. Those efforts combined to help fuel a year-over-year improvement of about $78,000 during July and August, Viola said.

This year also saw the debut of golf instructor Matt Ruggiere, who grew up playing at the Ocean Pines Golf Club.

"Compliments to the golf team ... it’s operating on all cylinders," Viola said.

Viola said new Yacht Club Marina gas docks were installed using longer-lasting aluminum that now meet not only new safety standards, but also the needs of a bustling marina operation. New T-docks were also installed to help meet the growing demand.

Racquet Sports saw the installation of new pickleball courts and the hiring of a new manager, Tim Johnson, a longtime Ocean Pines Racquet member and the former tennis supervisor for the Town of Ocean City.

"I think he's doing a great job," Viola said. "The feedback we've received is all positive ... and we're seeing the membership grow for many reasons.”

Court maintenance that was put off for years is now a regular occurrence. Going forward, Viola said the Association will also evaluate the Racquet Center’s main building.

The Yacht Club entranceway and ballroom also benefited from maintenance efforts. There and elsewhere, Viola said portions of the work were done by outside contractors that help to supplement the Public Works staff.

"It's certainly showing a difference in all the maintenance [initiatives]," Viola said.

On public safety, Viola highlighted the hiring of new Police Chief Tim Robinson, formerly of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. He also recognized Lt. Greg Schoepf, who has served Ocean Pines for more than four decades.

Viola said Robinson has "hit the ground running" to help build on public safety initiatives that already included take-home vehicles for police officers and the introduction of an employee pension plan.

“I'm excited about working with that team," Viola said.

Viola said workgroups continue to be a big part of planning for the Association's future. General manager workgroups are currently focused on the new south fire station, and evaluating the Racquet Sports building.

He said the fire station workgroup "has a very good story to tell" at a future Board meeting, likely in October and to include funding options and a recommendation.

To sum up, Viola said in five years Ocean Pines has transformed operations from a $1.6 million deficit with stalled maintenance programs and slumping amenities, to the operating surplus and robust programming enjoyed today.

As of July 31, he said operations are favorable to budget by more than $300,000, with Golf, Aquatics, Racquet Sports, and food and beverage operations all trending upwards.

"The surplus has been reinvested into the assessment," Viola said. "It's not like we're just putting this [favorability] somewhere ... we are reinvesting it."

He said the Association is also addressing big-ticket items, including the need for a new south fire station and Golf Course irrigation system, along with the next phase of drainage, bulkhead and road maintenance, and an ongoing list of requests from the 14 advisory committees.

Viola said public safety will continue to be a big focus.

“[Public safety] is one of our strengths in Ocean Pines, but there is a cost to it – and it's nationwide. It's going up everywhere," he said.

A decade ago, he said public safety made up about 22-22% of the budget – today it’s 35%.

"We have funded – and rightfully so – the increases for safety," Viola said. "We're putting in pensions for the police, the [take-home] cars ... it's all needed to retain talent.

"Let's give them what they need," he added.

Viola credited Administrative Assistance Michelle Ross for doing "a lot of the heavy lifting" in helping to prepare his annual report.

For questions and concerns about Ocean Pines operations, email [email protected] or call 410-641-7717 during normal business hours.

Announcement

Annual GM report highlights where OPA has been, where it’s going

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