GM report: financial news, construction and maintenance updates, and more

(March 25, 2024) General Manager John Viola’s monthly report to the Board on March 23 included updates on OPA financials, ongoing maintenance and new construction efforts, and several recent staff promotions.


Financial updates

Viola said the February financials show $48,000 favorability to budget for the month, including $9,000 favorability in revenues and $39,000 favorability in expenses.

"On expenses, we continue to be efficient and effective," he said. "That doesn't mean we have surplus. That just means ... we're favorable. Everything has been earmarked ... and it will be part of the budget going into next year."

Year-to-date favorability is now approximately $908,000.

Viola said the total reserve balance as of Jan. 31 is $8.3 million, including $6.1 million in general replacement. The forecast for the next fiscal year is about $1.5 million in spending and a total reserve balance of approximately $7 million.


Promotions announced

Viola recently announced the promotions of Michelle Hitchens as the new Aquatics director and Terry Underkoffler as the new Racquet Sports director.

He said Hitchens took over as lead for the department several months ago and has reestablished swim lessons, along with many events that had not been done for several years.

"Congrats to Michelle and her team. Aquatics is [going to have] a good start this year," he said.

Viola said Underkoffler stepped up and answered a need in that department. He has been involved in Ocean Pines Racquet Sports for roughly a decade, he'll have help from Membership Supervisor Ruth Ann Meyer, Deputy Public Works Director Nobie Violante, Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue, and Tim McMullen.

"I'm very happy that Terry and Tim [McMullen] are back. We're looking forward to good results and good stuff this summer," he said.


Electronic signs

Viola said the existing sign structure at the North Gate had to be moved six feet because it was found to be in an easement. That caused a slight delay with the installation of the new electronic sign.

"That was all completed. We have the permit. We have the sign ordered," he said, adding installation is likely in mid-April. "I know there's a lot of anticipation for that. We definitely will have it installed before the beginning of the season."


Landscaping efforts

Viola said landscaping and beautification efforts continue, including new bulbs planted at the north and south entrances.

"You'll see [seasonal flowers] on the North Gate bridge," he said. "The banners are also seasonal now ... and I've gotten a lot of phone calls and a lot of positive input."


Worcester County Tourism collaboration

Viola said department heads for Golf, Aquatics and Racquet Sports met with Worcester County Tourism officials on March 14 for a promotional video shoot.

Each director talked about their department and what homeowners, residents and visitors can expect this spring and summer.

Worcester County Tourism Director Melanie Pursel oversaw the shoot, which will debut on April 6 and be part of upcoming county promotional efforts.


New golfers' lounge

Viola said Golf Director Bob Beckelman approached him about creating a golfers' lounge in the Clubhouse Meeting Room.

"What I've been told by Bob [is], to be competitive with other golf courses, we really needed a golfers' lounge," Viola said.

He said the lounge was put together using new patio furniture donated by a local golfer.

"I've gotten good results on it," Viola said. "We are committed to getting a lounge here, like we have at Racquet Sports."


Tiki bar update

Viola said he's committed to finishing the new tiki bar expansion before Memorial Day.

He said Public Works removed dock boards for new power lines and removed some existing pavers to make room for the addition.

"The main thing ... is getting the materials onsite," Viola said. "I believe and the team believes we're on track."


Veterans Memorial pavilion

Viola said he met with Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore to discuss plans for a new pavilion at the memorial grounds. Based on her feedback, Viola is working with contractors on several different styles and options.

Plans are to finish the project before Veterans Day, in November.

"We're on track for that," Viola said.


Racquet Sports updates

Viola said about $25,000 has been spent on maintenance of the Racquet Sports building, including materials and labor. That includes a new HVAC system, office furniture, window repairs, paint, and other amenities.

The Association is also planning a renovation and/or expansion of the building.

"The main things [were] ... bigger bathrooms, a bigger pro shop, and a bigger office," Viola said.

He said new Racquet Sports Director Terry Underkoffler gave his feedback, and former Board member Frank Brown has done initial sketches for the improvements.

"That will save us money once we go to Vista [Design] and the architects," he said.

Viola said new tables and chairs were also ordered for pickleball players at the center.

"That will help enhance the shade down there," he said.


Safety updates

Viola said 10 trees identified as safety issues were removed from White Horse Park. Several other large trees were trimmed.

"We are on top of that and, anything that has come to our notice, we have worked on," he said.

At the request of a homeowner, the Association also added "look again" safety signs at the intersection of Mumfords Landing Road and Yacht Club Drive.


Dog Park updates

Viola said new sand was added at the Dog Park, to help with drainage issues.

The Association also repaired a damaged fence and will investigate a rain shelter for dog owners using the park.

"We have that on our task list," he said.


Soft Shoreline project

Viola said Public Relations Director Josh Davis, Public Works Director Eddie Wells, and Deputy Public Works Director Nobie Violante are leading a "soft shoreline" project at the South Gate Pond. The project aims to improve water quality and reduce erosion in that area, along with aesthetic improvements.

In cooperation with Maryland Coastal Bays Program, Viola said the Association received a $150,000 federal grant for the project.

An RFP was sent in February and bids came back on March 21. Viola said the team will evaluate the bids and make a recommendation to the Board.


Season Kickoff event

Senior Executive Office Manager Linda Martin said a work group is leading the effort for a Season Kickoff & Expo event, April 20 from 3-7 p.m. at White Horse Park. The rain date is April 27.

"The OP Day workgroup has been organizing this and they're doing a fabulous job," she said.


CPI and customer service updates

Martin said the Compliance, Permit, and Inspections (CPI) Department issued 104 new violations in February. During the month, 61 violations were brought into compliance and 183 remain open.

"Most of them are in maintenance, but we are seeing an uptick of people putting in metal fences," she said. "Metal fences are not allowed in Ocean Pines ... call the CPI Department if you have any questions.”

Martin said the customer service team fielded 142 emails in December, including 54 general questions, 51 about amenities, 26 for CPI, 10 for Public Works and one on drainage.

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