GM report highlights: Holiday decorations and events, South Fire Station news, budget updates, and more   

General Manager John Viola’s monthly report to the Board on Nov. 18 included updates on the South Fire Station, holiday events and decorations, and continued budget favorability.   

Firehouse update:  

Based upon current events, Viola said he has disbanded the South Fire Station workgroup that was formed in June 2022.   

He recognized Ocean Pines representatives including former Board members Ted Moroney, Frank Brown and Pete Gomsak, community volunteers Marvin Steen and Bill Stamp, and from staff Senior Executive Officer Manager Linda Martin, Finance Director Steve Phillips, Public Works Director Eddie Wells, and Public Relations Director Josh Davis.   

Moroney led the workgroup for Ocean Pines.  

"I thought he did a great job,” Viola said, adding the Association utilized a playbook like the one used to build the new Golf Clubhouse, and, “that playbook is available.”  

"I thought it was a win,” Viola said of the effort.   

Holiday decorations, events and giving campaigns:  

Viola said Public Works started installing Christmas lights last week, with additional holiday decorations to include seven large trees.   

In total, about 25,000 lights will go up throughout the community.  

Viola said Public Works also worked with the Recreation and Parks Department to put up 50 live trees at White Horse Park, ahead of the Hometown Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. The Santa House at the park was redone by Ed Miller and Jon Brown from Public Works.   

He said staff received lots of compliments on the increase in decorations, especially at the South Gate. He said live trees would be installed and lit up at both gates.   

"Public Works has done a great job,” he said.   

Several Ocean Pines departments are also leading holiday giving campaigns:  

• Recreation and Parks are taking part in “Be a Santa to a Senior” with Home Instead. Emailcrystal.heiser@homeinstead.com for more information.  

• Aquatics has an “Angel Tree” to help support local children and families. Call 410-641-5255 for more information.  

• Administration will also set up an “Angel Tree” to support a local family, with more details to follow.  

Additionally, homeowners can register for “Light Up the Pines” from Nov. 20 to Dec. 8. Emailinfo@oceanpines.org for more information.  

Budget and financial news:  

Viola said the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget process is currently in the internal review phase, and all departments have signed off on their budgets. 

Public review agendas and dates are being prepared, with the Budget and Finance Committee review slated to run Jan. 2-3. Board review is tentatively scheduled Jan. 11-12, with a town hall penciled in for Feb. 7. 

Viola said the proposed budget will be given to the Board and committee prior to the holiday. 

"It's on track,” he said. 

For the current fiscal year, Viola said the Association was favorable to budget by roughly $93,000 in October. Year-to-date favorability is approximately $578,000. 

"We continue to roll along with favorability,” he said, crediting a mix of revenue increases and expense decreases. 

He added the trend of “organic growth” has continued, highlighting budget favorability in Golf and at the Yacht Club. 

Racquet Center update:  

Viola said a new fence was the last of three main items recently requested by Racquet Sports management.  

Installed by Public Works at a total cost of $2,200, he said the fence was put in to help deal with some customers who tried to avoid paying at the front entrance. Viola said staff will also look at cameras, because there are already reports of people climbing the new fence to avoid paying.  

Leaf collection schedule released:   

Viola said up to four bags of leaves will be picked up by Republic Services during regularly scheduled trash collection days. Additionally, Public Works will pick up bagged leaves from Nov. 27 to Dec. 29 on days opposite of Republic Services collection.  

Loose or paper bagged yard waste can be dropped off to the Public Works yard from Nov. 27 to Dec. 30 (except for Christmas Day and Dec. 26) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stickers are required for drop-off and can be picked up at the Public Works front desk.   

Viola said the vacuum program has ended and that part of the budget was reallocated to drainage.  

Martin said leaf collection information has been posted on the Ocean Pines website and social media.    

Bulkheads, roads, and drainage news:   

Viola said 2023/2024 bulkhead replacement has started and is on track to finish by April. The work was approved by the Board last December at a contract cost of $977,500.  

The following homes are on the 2023/2024 schedule:  

• Watergreen Lane:  2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20  

• Goldeneye Court:  2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, and 24  

• Wood Duck Drive:  20, 22, 24, 26, 34, and 42  

Viola said just under three miles of road maintenance is scheduled to start soon. The work was approved by the Board in October at a total contract cost of $356,618.20.  

Streets included in that phase of work will include Battersea Road, Canal Road, Deerfield Court, Driftwood Lane, Moonraker Road, Waters Edge Court, Wharf Court, and the overlay of St. Martins Lane.  

Viola said the drainage program of the last several years continues to be successful. The “cured in place” (CIP) system is said to be more cost effective and less invasive than traditional pipe replacement methods.   

"This has been a big win," he said.  

Recent drainage improvements have focused on Teal Circle and Moonshell Drive.  

Viola said the forecast for the year is for $250,000 in drainage spending from reserves, in addition to the $175,000 operational budget for drainage ditch maintenance.  

Trash service contract:   

Viola said the Association is reviewing bids for trash service. He said the current trash and recycling contract ends on Dec. 31 and an all-inclusive contract will be approved by the Board and awarded prior to that.   

"We do have to look at the past experience of different contractors ... Linda [Martin] and her team is addressing that,” Viola said.  

CPI and customer service updates:  

Martin said 155 compliance, permit, and inspections (CPI) violations were submitted in October, including 85 for maintenance, trash and grass; 20 for lack of a permit; and 50 miscellaneous that included signs violations, stop work orders, and unregistered or junk vehicles. Two hundred total violations remain open.   

During that same period, she said Public Works fielded 91 work orders, including 45 for general maintenance, 14 for drainage, and nine each for bulkheads and roads. Martin said the department receives between one and four new work orders each day.   

Martin said the customer service team fielded almost 200 questions in October, including 106 about amenities, 67 general questions, and 26 for Public Works/CPI.   

Viola said questions sent to info@oceanpines.com have largely been very positive and constructive.  

"Compliments to Linda and the team,” he said.   

For additional questions, email info@oceanpines.org or call 410-641-7717during normal business hours.