OPA meeting provides ample opportunity for disagreement
By Bob Lassahn

All directors were present for the meeting.

The published agenda for the April 19 regular meeting of the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors contained a significant body of work to be undertaken. Not the least of these business items were nine separate entries of motions to be considered, many related to topics that are ongoing bones of contention within OPA. Before the end of the four hour session some tempers flared and there was ample evidence of division among board members.

Barbara Kissel presented a verbal summary of recommendations developed by the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee for Wood Duck Park. These recommendations included securing the services of an engineer to assess the park and determining potential ways to alleviate the wetness, adding fill to a portion of the area, installing a walkway and keeping easements for access to the park open.

An attempt to suspend the rules to allow introduction of a motion based upon her report failed with Board President Glenn Duffy summarizing any decision at that point as a “rush to judgment.” He called upon the board to think about the content of the report and Director George Coleburn suggested that a motion could be ready by the next regular meeting of the board.

In his capacity as acting general manager Mr. Duffy reported that a proposed plan on handling outside catering has been developed with assistance from the clubs advisory committee chair Jack Ferry. He also stated that a business plan has been developed for the yacht club and that a previous proposal to remove all boats from the OPA marina in the event of a weather emergency is being reconsidered based upon liability issues and logistical considerations.

Wearing his general manager’s hat Mr. Duffy also had to field some comments and questions from his fellow board members. Mr. Colburn pointed out what he perceived as a lack of attention to the monthly comptroller’s report and stressed that some items should be questioned. Director Mark Venit questioned that progress in resolving the turnover agreements regarding the Pointe. Mr. Duffy advised the issue is currently in the hands of legal counsel and he is hopeful that a resolution will be reached in about a month, but stressed the problem underlying the delay is with the developer.

Mr. Venit also questioned progress in locating a vendor to produce video recordings of board proceedings to be aired on channel 78. Mr. Duffy confirmed that contact had been made with a potential vendor and he is working toward an agreement.

The public comments portion of the meeting began with a tirade launched against the board in general and Director Dan Stachurski in particular. In total 11 property owners expressed opinions on numerous topics including a petition including 160 signatures from the Swimmin’ Women to investigate an indoor pool; barking dogs; the overall budget and the golf budget in particular; dropping plans for a new marina at the Swim and Racquet Club and leaving Wood Duck Park alone since no access points exist.

Two directors also took the podium to give their comments. Director Reid Sterrett commented that the very personal attack on a board member was uncalled for and lamented on the poor conduct of persons who engage in such tactics. He gave notice of his intent to intervene in any future outburst by calling upon the chairman to rule the person “out of order” and instructing them to cease.

Mr. Venit rose to answer statements from board candidate Ray Unger delivered during public comments about the marketing plan being developed by OPA. Mr. Unger alleges that some elements of the plan, specifically coupons to appear in a marketing campaign in Ocean City, could have a catastrophic financial impact and that outside advertising could affect the association’s non-profit status. Mr. Venit provided assurances that the marketing plan would not produce the impacts Mr. Unger feared.

Under the new business portion of the meeting motions were introduced on the following topics:

Motion on Cathell Road realignment

Soule and Associates presented a plan to realign Cathell Road between Route 589 and Ocean Parkway. The planned improvements would smooth out the curves in he roadway and widen travel lanes from 12 to 15 feet. The project is estimated to cost approximately $230,000 and require four months to complete. Funds have been budgeted for the project.

Mr. Duffy introduced a motion to authorize Soule to proceed with bidding the project. With minimal discussion the motion carried unanimously.

Motion on Bluebill Court drainage

Soule and Associates has prepared plans to correct a drainage problem on Bluebill Court in Section 14c. The project will correct a problem created during the original construction by creating swales and correcting driveway elevations. It is anticipated to cost approximately $30,000. The motion introduced by Mr. Duffy authorizing Soule to proceed with bidding the project carried unanimously.

Motion to stop sale of OPA property

Director Janet Kelley introduced her motion to stop the sale of OPA properties as related to the financing of the proposed community center. The motion failed on a 4-2 vote with only Ms. Kelley and Mr. Coleburn voting for the measure and Mr. Venit abstaining.

Motion to terminate plans for community center

Ms. Kelley next introduced a motion seeking to convince the board to abandon any further efforts toward the new community center stating they were unable to fulfill the promises in the referendum and “it can’t be done.”

Mr. Coleburn commented this was revisiting something that has come up before, a sentiment shared by Mr. Venit as he stated the board had already determined to proceed with exploring alternatives and Director Heather Cook who termed the attempt “premature.” The motion failed with Ms. Kelley the only vote in favor.

Motion to rescind outside catering

Ms. Kelley next introduced a motion to stop outside catering at OPA venues. Suspending the rules for the meeting clubs advisory committee chair Jack Ferry was called upon to clarify his remarks and opinions on the topic. Mr. Ferry previously cautioned the board regarding contractual issues and protections the board must consider in the best interests of the community. Ms. Kelley repeatedly attempted to obtain a specific recommendation from Mr. Ferry regarding whether the board should allow outside catering, but he was adamant that was not his decision and was for the board to decide.

Opinions pro and con were batted about and there was sentiment that the original motion passed by the board. In particular were provisions for outside catering at the beach club and no restriction on renting to other than Ocean Pines residents. In the end Ms. Kelley’s motion failed, but another motion was introduced with a policy to replace the previous decision of the board by limiting outside catering to the country club and availability of the venue to Ocean Pines residents. Outside catering will not begin until all contract issues and protections for OPA are properly vetted.

Motion appointing committee to hire golf consultant

Introduced by Ms. Cook the motion established methodology for determining qualifications for a golf consultant as provided in the recent budget deliberations. The motion carried.

Motion to investigate four-season pool at Swim and Racquet Club
Mr. Sterrett’s motion would task the general manager to investigate the cost of construction for an enclosure of the existing pool.  Contested by Ms. Kelley as a means to spin additional boat slips at the Swim and Racquet Club marina, Mr. Sterrett was able to assuage the concerns of other directors that this was simply an investigation and not a commitment. When the arguments on the topic had been heard the motion carried by a 6-1 vote with Ms. Kelley in opposition.

Additional motions from Mr. Duffy prior to adjournment authorized the remaining issues in the Soule study and purchases of equipment. Overall a busy meeting with many opportunities for board members to disagree and make their position on issues known.

Video of the meeting may be viewed at OceanPinesForum.com.

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