Announcement

OPA, OPVFD approve historic new agreement

Friday, July 12, 2024

(July 12, 2024) The Ocean Pines Association Board on Friday unanimously approved a new memorandum of understanding with the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department.

The agreement includes provisions for fire protection and EMS services by OPVFD, funding of the Fire Department by OPA, and construction of a new South Fire Station.

Several OPA Board members and OPVFD President Joe Enste commented on the new agreement during the meeting:

Association President Rick Farr:

“Tonight, I would like to thank my fellow Board members, our General Manager John Viola and his team, Chairman Doug Parks from the Budget and Finance Committee, Ocean Pines Council Bruce Bright, the leadership of Ocean Pines Fire Department: President Enste and Chief Widgeon and the Board and the Fire Department General Counsel Genevieve Macfarlane, for bringing us to where we are today, a historical moment for Ocean Pines. This team has worked together for the past several months, where the relationship with Ocean Pines Association and the Fire Department has become very strong with one collective goal in mind, which is to continue to provide outstanding emergency medical services [and] fire and rescue protection services to all of Ocean Pines residents, with state-of-the-art equipment and a state-of-the-art new building. This new memorandum of understanding and provisions within this agreement between Ocean Pines Association and the Volunteer Fire Department accomplishes this goal. Again, thanks to everyone in making this agreement a reality.”

OPVFD President Joe Enste:

“Tonight, we have an opportunity to make history as we consider a new memorandum of understanding between the Ocean Pines Association and the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department. Our team at the Fire Department has been working tirelessly behind the scenes with President Farr, Vice President Lakernick, Director Heavner, representatives of the Budget and Finance Committee, Mr. John Viola, Mrs. Linda Martin and Mr. Steve Phillips. Together, we have crafted an MOU that is fair to both sides and designed to stand the test of time. For those who may be wondering why there is a need for a new MOU, the original MOU was ratified in 1975 and then replaced with a new version in 1977. Over the years, numerous addendums have been added, complicating the relationship between the OPVFD and the OPA. The proposed MOU we are considering tonight aims to clarify the relationship and the responsibilities of each organization, ensuring a clear and effective partnership now and in the future. As one of only 10 recognized and chartered volunteer fire departments within the Worcester County, we take our responsibility to provide fire and EMS service to this community very seriously. For over 50 years, we have proudly served this community. And this new agreement, if approved tonight, will allow us to continue serving for many years to come. Thank you in advance of the Board of Directors for your consideration.”

Association Treasurer Monica Rakowski:

“It was time for OPA to reopen the door for negotiations to get this deal done with our Fire Department. This deal is a win for our Fire Department and our membership. It's a win for everybody. This deal goes a long way to supporting recruitment and retention of our firefighters. It is up to us, OPA, to help sustain a robust and active force of firefighters. Supporting our Volunteer Fire Department has a direct and measurable impact on public safety. Communities with well-funded and adequately staffed fire departments often have a lower home insurance rates, reflecting the lower risk of significant fire damage. I thank the Fire Department and my colleagues for this team effort in getting us to this point.”

Director Jeff Heavner:

“This is indeed a new era of cooperation. It's more like getting a new in-law through marriage, but one that you really like. A carefully crafted memorandum of understanding will enable the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department to provide exceptional fire protection and emergency medical and rescue services for decades to come. This Board continues to bring out the best in each of us and deliver wins for our Association, spending money wisely and focused on our strategic plan. I might sound like a broken record, but it really matters. We are all dialed in to keep Ocean Pines a premier resort community, with exceptional value and quality of life. This vision is built upon five support pillars: quality governance, superior safety, top-tier amenities, fiscally responsible infrastructure maintenance, and community beautification. Our priorities continue to evolve with our successes. Getting a multiyear deal done with John Viola was on our short list, and getting this MOU deal done is huge. I have been involved in this top priority, and I urge my fellow Directors to approve this when we vote very shortly. The community and our Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department are winners. We have and continue, like Rick says, to build a first class, and as referenced, a family relationship.”

Association Secretary John Latham:

“I just want to thank you all tremendously. Thanks for working with our group and getting it done. All the hard work is starting to pay off here. We're happy to support it. Thanks for making our community safe, and … you’ll get my support.”

Director Elaine Brady:

“It's 100% groups working together that make these things happen. And I'm just thrilled that in the short span of time we were able to do that. Bruce, also thank you, because I know you knocked this thing out in record time in order to satisfy everybody's concerns, gather the input that was coming from everyone, and draft a document that really will serve us well into the future.”

Association Vice President Dr. Stuart Lakernick:

“I just wanted to comment on the professionalism of the Fire Department's executive board, their team, their president, their chief. We are all in this together, and this makes us a big one instead of two. And I just wanted to thank you guys.”

To view the new MOU, visit https://www.oceanpines.org/documents/20124/70275/MOU.pdf/0f381838-8585-88eb-3c70-fed3a009fa2f?t=1720717188231.

To view video of the meeting, visit https://youtu.be/W1JV4UVnZdI.

Announcement

OPA, OPVFD approve historic new agreement

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