OPA moves toward an enclosed pool                
By Bob Lassahn

The agenda published for the June 14 Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors (the board) included a fairly substantial number of entries, but in the end became the night of the pool enclosure debate. Director George Coleburn was absent from the well attended meeting that lasted just under two and one half hours.

Announcements from Board President Glenn Duffy included a very general progress report on the search for a new general manager and notice of the OPA candidate forum on June 21 at 7 p.m. In his capacity as acting general manager Mr. Duffy also provided a very brief “state of the Pines” report highlighting some preliminary figures on profit and loss by various amenities. The bottom line is a $129,000+ surplus to reserves. The figures are still subject to an audit.

The public comments portion of the meeting saw 17 individuals take the podium. Environmental Control Committee (ECC) chair Walt Boge spoke to issue an apology to local builder and OPA property owner Steve Rakow for disparaging remarks included in a letter printed in a local newspaper, noted he was embarrassed and ashamed with regard to his comments, found to be largely in error regarding the presence of a six foot high fence. Later in the evening the younger Rakow’s father, Bill Rakow, read a prepared statement in which his son accepted the apology, but decried the circumstances that generated what he termed animosity of the ECC and staff toward builders. The elder Rakow added his own comments that the board does not like to be questioned or challenged.

Two speakers, OPA board candidate Bill Zawacki and Jack Barnes used their time to speak against the process the board is pursuing to construct an enclosure for the Sports Core Pool. Both prefaced their comments with a statement that they did not oppose the idea of an indoor pool, but disagreed with the manner in which the board is pushing the project without considering all financial implications or providing for the membership to have a say in the matter.

On the opposite side of the argument four speakers were present to support the pool enclosure, including Hope Armiger representing the Swimmin Women and 15 year old Sarah Beth Meadows representing the Hammerhead Swim Team. Based upon the round of applause following her presentation Miss Meadows made quite an impression on those in attendance, perhaps regardless of their personal position on the pool controversy.

Roseann Bridgman took her turn to announce the designation of the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines as a “Blue Star Memorial” and to make two suggestions to the board. Ms. Bridgman noted that there is an ongoing problem regarding dog waste in the area of the memorial and suggested that a dispenser for waste bags should be installed. She also suggested that a proper name should be determined for the water body, presently referred to by many as South Gate Pond located near the memorial. Names she offered as appropriate include Memorial Pond or Memorial Lake. In an unusual breech of the normal meeting procedure Mr. Duffy requested that Ms. Bridgman provide information on the waste bag dispenser and a letter to the board suggesting the new designation of the pond.

Director Mark Venit also took a turn at the podium to express his displeasure with language contained in a report generated by the Budget and Finance Committee. The report, not available for review at the present time, is alleged by Mr. Venit to refer to certain board decisions as “inane and incompetent.”

Director Dan Stachurski provided a very brief update on the effort to construct a new community center, offering only that bids will be opened on July 11 and a recommendation will be made at the July 22 meeting of the board. Director Heather Cook reported that a golf consultant has been selected and that recommendations to address golf losses could be available by September.

Director Reid Sterrett introduced a motion to move the question of constructing an enclosure at the Sports Core pool forward. Following several “Whereas” statements supporting the measure the motion reads:

“THEREFORE let it be resolved that I hereby move to construct a 4-season pool enclosure at the Sports Core Pool by accepting the quote of $929,000.00 from Structures Unlimited and thereby tasking OPA to proceed with member surveys and consultation with OPA staff to determine the best financing choice, what depreciation aspects to consider, and what membership/user fee structures and/or adjustments should be implemented with this project.”

Directors Venit and Janet Kelley both expressed support for an indoor pool but argued against the motion as rushing to judgment. Ms. Kelley attempted a motion to postpone the issue that failed on a 4-2 vote and Mr. Venit offered an amendment to accept the proposal only after a public hearing and publication of the financial information that also fell short.

Mr. Sterrett commented that the motion does not make the pool enclosure a “done deal” but did acknowledge it as being on the fast track. He explained his tactic of avoiding a referendum by stating that a referendum would never pass and that it was time to stop talking and get things done. When the vote was called Directors Duffy, Stachurski, Cook and Sterrett were in favor, with Kelley and Venit voting against.

Director Venit attempted to introduce a motion to breathe new life into an Accounting Task Force that was approved at the March 2006 board meeting but has lingered without action and a recruiting drive to fill holes in advisory committees. Both motions failed for lack of a second.

Director Kelley also introduced a motion designed to require disclosure of all costs related to the new community center prior to any further action. The motion gained a second from Director Venit but was voted down by a 3-2 margin with Directors Kelley and Venit voting for and Stachurski, Cook and Sterrett successfully defeating the measure. Board President Duffy abstained on the vote.

Motions to purchase two pieces of equipment from the low bidder, both under the budgeted amount, were passed unanimously prior to adjournment.

Following the meeting Director Sterrett clarified that his motion does not authorize signing a contract to construct the pool enclosure at the Sports Core and another vote will take place following the development of information on financing, fee structures and other financial issues.

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