Announcement

June GM Report highlights beautification, project updates, and financials

Thursday, July 2, 2026

(July 2, 2026) Beautification efforts, ongoing capital projects, and May financial results were among the topics highlighted by General Manager John Viola during the Regular Board Meeting on Monday, June 29.

Construction on the South Fire Station experienced a slight delay due to a change in the architect and compaction situation with soil. 190 loads were brought in for new elevation and compaction. Work is slated to begin on the foundation in July.

The new Tiki Kitchen at the Yacht Club opened on May 29 and serves patrons on the patio, at the tiki bar, and pool. The purpose of this new kitchen is to enhance the customer experience by providing faster service and warmer food in comparison to the original kitchen. Viola noted that the bid for the structure was approved for $316,500, but the project came in under at $261,149.60. The interior kitchen was paid for by Touch of Italy and was estimated at $140,000+.

Several repairs and maintenance projects were recently completed at the Beach Club, including painting the replacement boards, addressing popped up boards and nails, trimming dead palm branches off of palm trees, spraying weeds in the parking lot, painting the handicap chair storage, and more.

Renovations are scheduled to begin in the fall at the Beach Club. Plans include but are not limited to reinforcing inside floors, redoing the first floor deck, installing a second floor deck and glass railing, installing an elevator, and redoing the second floor to include a kitchen and bathrooms (paid for by Touch of Italy), accordion doors leading out to the deck, and installation of hurricane proof windows.

At the Ocean Pines Police Department, a salary study is underway, with recommendations expected for pay increases across all ranks. One officer is scheduled to attend the police academy in July, with two additional recruits expected to begin training in January. Lt. Bailey and Lt. Schoepf continue overseeing day-to-day operations in the interim.

A new leaderboard was installed at the Yacht Club bocce courts on June 5 at a cost of $3,200. Sponsorship signage is currently being developed, with Viola recognizing the Bocce Ball League for generating sponsorship revenue to support the project.

Maintenance work continues across Ocean Pines amenities. At the Swim & Racquet Club, crews have replaced and painted deck boards as needed, cut grass, sprayed weeds, and trimmed or removed dead shrubs. At the Racquet Center, staff completed weed control, repaired lighting, and installed a new shade structure.

Cleanup efforts also continue at the Public Works Yard following February's blizzard. Mulch from storm debris has been ground and removed by Worcester County. Upcoming work includes removing soil stockpiled from the South Fire Station project, sorting debris from community cleanup operations, hauling remaining debris to the landfill, removing dredged material and chipped debris, and dismantling an old floating dock from the marina.

The Public Works Yard will remain closed for the remainder of the summer due to ongoing safety concerns. Public Works will continue collecting debris placed in paper bags with no limit on the number of bags. Residents can schedule pickup by calling 410-641-7425. Republic Services will also collect paper bags during weekly trash service.

A reminder was made that Public Works is no longer mowing easements and ditches. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to cut the easements in front of their homes and maintain their ditches, per Section 10.D. of the Declaration of Restrictions. The cost of removing leaves from ditches has been reallocated to other services provided by OPA.

Concerts in the Park are continuing this summer, with a total of 10 concerts planned at White Horse Park. Clarification was provided that food at the concerts is being provided by the Ocean Pines Recreation Department and that the Kiwanis Club was not forced out by Touch of Italy.

New directional signs have been installed northbound and southbound on Ocean Parkway for the Sports Core Pool and Veterans Memorial. A sign for the Swim & Racquet Club was ordered in May with a 6-8 week turnaround. Installation should take place in early July.

Tree removal in Ocean Pines was also addressed during the meeting. CPI is meeting with Worcester County for a pre-construction meeting, with certain circumstances allowing Worcester County to overrule OPA for tree removal. However, OPA nor the County will finalize the project without a landscape plan. Approvals include any tree in the 15 foot bulkhead easement on in a drainage easement, any tree that is within 10 feet of a proposed foundation or 3 feet of a proposed driveway, any tree less than 6 inches in diameter, and any tree that is dead, dying, diseased, or rotting.

The Strategic Plan was developed by the GM and staff and is reviewed annually for updates, with the most recent update in December 2025. Goals of the Strategic Plan include achieving a strong and sustainable financial position, maintaining and enhancing infrastructure, community appearance, and amenities, maintaining a high level of safety, fostering a sustainable and engaged community driven by our core values, and supporting leadership training and development.

In terms of financials, Ocean Pines finished the month of May $9,000 unfavorable to budget. Viola noted that bad weather for Memorial Day weekend was likely a major contributor, impacting both amenities and memberships.

Announcement

June GM Report highlights beautification, project updates, and financials

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