Announcement

GM report: Community project updates, financial news, and more

Monday, September 30, 2024

(Sept. 30, 2024) General Manager John Viola’s monthly report to the Board on Sept. 30 included updates on several community projects, including Golf Course irrigation, the new Veterans Memorial Pavilion, Racket Sports building renovations, and more.

Project updates

Viola said plans are underway for the new South Fire Station, now estimated at 15,000 square feet and with a target of breaking ground in fall 2025.

“We've had … constant meetings with Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department. I believe at this point, we have a plan,” Viola said. “We have our sketches thanks to Frank Brown and other members helping out.

“So, we're in the planning stage and we are working on next steps,” Viola continued. “We'll be talking more about that over the next couple of months.”

Viola said the Golf Course irrigation project is well underway, with phase one to include the pump station, the first and ninth holes, and the driving range at a total cost of about $934,000.

He said the pipes are being replaced after 50 years of use, and the new infrastructure is estimated to last 75-100 years.

“We're making the right move,” Viola said.

Work has also begun on the new Veterans Memorial Pavilion. The total estimated project cost is $200,000, and Viola said the project is on track to finish by Veterans Day, in time for the annual ceremony hosted by the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation.

As soon as that wraps, Viola said the contractor, Whayland Construction, will move onto renovating the Racquet Sports building. He said the top priority there is enhancing the restrooms, which was a request from the Racquet Sports community.

“They will be larger, and everything that they've asked for will be there,” Viola said. “We will also make other updates to the building. The estimated cost is around $150,000, [and that will] hopefully be done by April.”

Viola said the Association is also looking into adding jet ski slips at the Swim and Racquet Club.

“We're working on that to see how much [it would cost] and what we would rent them for. So, stay tuned on that one,” Viola said.

Viola said the Sports Core Pool reopened after electrical issues shut the building down for several days. Other pools were kept open during that time.

“We were able to keep certain pools open, so we continue to enhance the customer service,” he said.

Viola complimented Choptank Electric, as well as the Ocean Pines Public Works team for working to restore service.

Financial updates

Viola said staff has begun working on the next fiscal-year budget and the buzzword this year is “pivot.”

“We're starting the next five years, [and] the word comes to mind is pivot, especially when we talk about the budget,” he said.

He said the Association has increased investment into amenities over the last five years and created turnkey operations. Looking ahead, pricing studies will be done, and the team will review increasing costs, which Viola said have risen sharply.

He said public safety costs are going up considerably. Public safety represented about 24% of spending in fiscal year 2019, and is estimated to top 40% next fiscal year.

Viola said that’s partly because big decisions were “kicked down the road” in prior years, but he credited a constructive Board of Directors and an engaged community that’s willing to address those important issues today.

Food and beverage RFP

Viola said the Board tasked him to create a request for proposals for food and beverage management, and that process is ongoing.

“This is part of our bylaws, as stated by the Board and the attorney,” Viola said, adding that key dates include the Oct. 4 deadline for questions, and the Oct. 18 submission deadline. Following that, Viola said he’s looking to schedule a public presentation, and/or presentation to the Board.

“I can tell you this, it's a process,” Viola said. “My team is fully engaged, and they understand the seriousness and the professionalism involved.”

Other updates

Director of Business Administration Linda Martin said the Mumford’s Landing Pool hosted a successful Doggie Swim in September, with proceeds benefiting the Worcester County Humane Society.

Maintenance efforts over the last few months included new hand dryers at the Beach Club, annual cleaning of the Sports Core Pool, cleaning the Marina docks, and cleaning and repairs at the Yacht Club Pool.

Road paving this year will include Commodore Court, Dinghy Court, Fairhaven Court, Juneway Lane, Portside Court, Riverside Court, and Weeping Willow Court.

Additionally, annual bulkhead replacement will start soon, to include homes on Wood Duck Drive, Mallard Drive East, and Ebb Tide Court.

CPI and customer service updates

Martin said the Compliance, Permit, and Inspections (CPI) Department issued 146 new violations in August. During the month, 169 violations were brought into compliance and 243 remain open.

Also during that period, 121 new work orders were initiated and 208 were closed, with 115 remaining open.

Martin said the customer service team fielded 112 emails in August, including 38 general questions, 31 about amenities, 28 about CPI, 13 for Public Works and three about drainage.

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

To view video of the GM report, visit https://youtu.be/HhbocAEAJFE?si=kMGBiA8yNWceHteI&t=952.

To view slides from the meeting, visit https://www.oceanpines.org/documents/20124/122622/9-28-24+Meeting+Power+Point.pptx/a30937be-cbc6-2049-375f-e1590c5cb84b?t=1727534930229.

Announcement

GM report: Community project updates, financial news, and more

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