9/19/2007

OPA Work Sessions to be Formally Informal
By Bob Lassahn

On Saturday, September 15 the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors (the board) held the first of their regular "work sessions." In establishing their schedule for the coming months the board elected to hold two meetings each month through December, one a working meeting where issues would be vetted and a more formal meeting where actual voting would occur. Director and board vice president Bill Rakow was absent for the moderately attended 9 a.m. meeting due to previously scheduled business demands.

Board president Bill Zawacki added two items to the meeting agenda before opening discussion. The first item focused on board procedures, including communications between the board and the membership as well as among board members themselves. The conduct of the board's work sessions was also reviewed and described by Mr. Zawacki as "formally informal." OPA members attending would be permitted to offer on-topic comments regarding discussions by the board.

General Manager Tom Olson provided an update on the indoor pool, projecting the opening as either late September or early October. He explained that he is awaiting delivery of key components for the ventilation system and cannot predict with any certainty when they will be in hand.

Mr. Olson also briefly reviewed the current vision for operating hours (presently 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday) and the anticipated charges for various programs. He noted that coupon books could be used in lieu of a membership and that the pool would be available for private parties.

Mr. Zawacki announced that the chair of the Elections Committee, Walt Kissel, has submitted notice he is stepping down from the position and began a cursory review of comments and recommendations from the committee arising from the latest election. One seeks to limit or prohibit OPA board candidate election signs.

The sale of 19 OPA owned lots has been the topic of discussion for some time and the board discussed options. Although no decisions resulted, it appeared the board was in agreement that they should be sold and that they should be listed. Director Marty Clarke commented that he did not envision the lots were worth the previously estimated value of $150,000, but the board should consider getting what the market will bear for them.

Barb Kissel, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee delivered a presentation regarding the committee's research on a skateboard park in Ocean Pines. The site determined as best suiting all requirements is located to the rear of the Ocean Pines Police facility where volleyball courts were once located.

The committee's research on liability issues, etc. was presented and apparently satisfied the board that the project remained potentially viable, as they authorized Ms. Kissel and her committee to continue their efforts. They also tasked the general manager to include the estimated cost of $120,000 in his draft budget, noting the amount could be eliminated if determined necessary during budget deliberations.

The issue of rehabilitation of the present Community Hall also received attention. As the general manager reviewed bids for a design study, Mr. Clarke challenged that without the long awaited intrusive study of the existing facility to determine what might be salvaged it is impossible to develop a strategy. After discussion the general manager was tasked to seek cost estimates for the necessary engineering studies.

Overall the meeting flowed smoothly, with input from the members attending not only allowed, but seemingly welcomed.

Video of the meeting is available on OceanPinesForum.com.