Announcement

July 2024 GM report: good financial news, drainage and maintenance updates, and more

Monday, July 22, 2024

(July 22, 2024) General Manager John Viola’s monthly report to the Board on July 20 included updates on OPA financials, ongoing initiatives and maintenance, the reserve study, and recent drainage improvements.

Financial updates

Viola said June financials were roughly $175,000 favorable to budget. Year to date, the Association is favorable to budget about $429,000.

"That favorability is driven by revenue," Viola said, adding amenities were favorable $129,000 in June. "The amenities are basically paying for themselves.”

Drainage updates

Viola said Pelican Underground began work on the latest round of drainage improvements on July 19.

Pelican uses cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) liners, a method that is less invasive to install, cheaper, and lasts longer than replacing pipes. The Association has successfully used this practice for several years.

"This will be the fifth time they've been here ... we all believe this was the best thing we ever did for drainage," Viola said, adding the Association has spent roughly $1 million on the main pipes over the last four years.

The current area of work includes Admiral Avenue, Carrolton Lane, Capetown Road, Harpoon Road, Lookout Point, Pinehurst Road, Seafarer Lane, Teal Circle, White Horse Drive, 57 Ocean Parkway, and the Golf Course at the 18th green and 10th tee box.

DMA reserve study

Viola said he spoke with Doug Greene at DMA Reserves about rescheduling the reserve study update that was scheduled to start in November. He said OPA still has two years to update their study, based on state regulations that mandate HOA reserve levels.

"We're going to stretch it out two years ... so they're going to come in [during] spring of 2026," Viola said.

He said the Association will still work to update its study, and participate in the DMA beta program this fall.

Renovation initiatives

Viola said he met with Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department President Joe Enste and former Board member Frank Brown on July 17 to go over plans for the new South Fire Station. Brown, a former builder, has been assisting with architectural drawings.

Plans were revised during the meeting to meet OPVFD changes. Next steps are the review the revisions with the Fire Department and develop a funding plan.

Viola said he met with a contractor (the Whayland Company) and reviewed plans for the new Worcester County Veterans Memorial pavilion. Sketches have been prepared and Viola will meet again this week with Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore to discuss the plans. He said the target completion date is just before Veterans Day, in November.

Questions on trees

Viola said there was a lot of recent discussion about the rules for cutting down trees in the community.

"What we are going to be doing now, going forward, is we will review for reasonableness and within our [governing documents] new construction and permits, and how they go about cutting down trees on the lots," he said.

Viola said homeowners still need to get permits from Worcester County when removing any trees.

"Our governing documents are a little more restrictive, and we will have the inspectors out there. That's a big change from what I've seen over the 20-25 years. So, we have listened to the feedback and we're going to address that," Viola said.

Maintenance and beautification updates

Viola said recent maintenance efforts have included bridgework on Golf Course Road, where bridge wingwalls and piles are being replaced at the request of the Maryland State Highway Admonition. The total cost is $149,500 and the expense was approved by the OPA Board last September.

After receiving reports of loose boards and exposed nails at the Beach Club, Viola instructed Public Works to immediately repair those areas. He added OPA would continue to monitor the Beach Club for similar issues, and the entire Beach Club boardwalk is due for replacement within the next few years.

Several boards were replaced on the docks and cracks were repaired along the pathway at the Swim and Racquet Club. There are also plans to repair bathroom stall doors and add handrails in the stalls, as requested by the Aquatics Advisory Committee.

Viola said he is also looking into converting several of the slips that are too small for boats into jet ski docks.

"We're getting estimates on that, [and] I already have somebody who is ready to sign up for them," he said, adding he will also consult the Budget and Finance Committee.

Additionally, Viola said Public Works trimmed the grass around the North Gate Pond, to address concerns emailed to [email protected].

Recent landscaping efforts have included additional sand and mulch at the dog park, and mulch put in by Public Works at all community playgrounds.

New signs were installed at the Racquet Sports and Recreation and Parks complex on Manklin Creek Road, and at the Community Gardens.

Yacht Club updates

Viola said new decor was recently added to help enhance the customer experience at the Yacht Club, including panel dividers and artificial plants in the dining room. He said the additions were requested by events manager Lia Isel.

"I think they're pretty nice! Credit to her," he said. "I think it's a big win ... [and] this is enhancing customer service."

Public safety updates

Police Chief Tim Robinson said he's treating poor cell service in the community as a public safety issue and has engaged county officials to try and address the problem.

"One of my biggest worries is that somebody's trying to call for help and [a cell phone is] their only means of communication," he said, adding many local cellphone calls are either dropped or never initiate.

"We've already started having conversations ... with the county administration," he continued. "It's probably something that's not going to be immediate, but hopefully it gets done so that next summer, when everybody is here, we'll be in a better situation.”

Robinson said police recently apprehended a suspect of a "mini crime spree" that involved breaking in and stealing cars.

"One of our officers caught them in the act," Robinson said, crediting newly hired Ofc. Freddie Howard.

Speaking of new hires, Robinson said recent additions on the police force brought staff up to necessary levels to return to 24-hour coverage, without the need for outside assistance.

Robinson said Ocean Pines Police will host a National Night Out event on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 6-8 p.m. at White Horse Park. The event is free and open to the public.

"Come out and visit with the Police Department," he said. "I hope to see everybody out there."

Other updates

Director of Business Administration Linda Martin said the Aquatics Department had a record-breaking Fourth of July Weekend, with about $20,000 in revenue. She said pool business has been robust all summer.

"If you're a member, we suggest you get there early," she said, adding members can swim from 8-10 a.m. each day, before pools open to the public.

Martin said the Association regularly receives requests about beach mats at the Beach Club in Ocean City. However, Town of Ocean City officials have told the Association that federal guidelines and liability issues rule out that option.

Ocean Pines does offer the use of handicap beach chairs, which can be rented through Beach Club Pool lifeguards.

CPI and customer service updates

Martin said the Compliance, Permit, and Inspections (CPI) Department issued 238 new violations in June. During the month, 224 violations were brought into compliance and 261 remain open. Also during that period, 107 new work orders were initiated and 105 were closed, with 171 remaining open.

"We do suggest that you read the updated guidelines, especially with the candidate signs," Martin said, adding that campaign signs cannot be placed until 30 days before the presidential election. CPI guidelines can be viewed online at https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/cpi.

Martin said the customer service team fielded 131 emails in June, including 48 general questions, 38 about amenities, 31 for CPI, 13 for Public Works and one on drainage.

For general questions, contact [email protected] or call 410-641-7717.

Announcement

July 2024 GM report: good financial news, drainage and maintenance updates, and more

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