Speculation at this point.

Ortt might want to keep his people employed as long as possible.

Interesting. If Ortt reopens in February any Ortt labor cost will be paid 100% by OPA. Ortt, under the terms of the contract, will have a blank OPA check book to pay for any and all expenses. 

Will there be disgruntled employees? No way to know.

My understanding is that if Ortt operates in OPA from February through the end of April, his actual management and bonus payments from OPA  through the end of the contract year could be around $70,000 less than if he walked away now. Forcing OPA to use the contact cancellation charge would cancel that loss.

With all Ortt has going on with some new restaurant on the boardwalk, why do you suppose he wants to have the OPA hassle for three months? 

I still maintain it is in the overall best interests of the association for Ortt not to return in February.

Like it or not, the Ortt era is over. End it.