Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola updated homeowners on construction advancements, maintenance, and the community’s financial situation during the latest association meeting on March 23.
Ocean Pines Association General Manger John Viola gives an update to homeowners during the association’s most recent meeting on March 23.
Tara Fischer/Bayside Gazette
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
At a March 23 Ocean Pines Board of Directors meeting, General Manager John Viola provided his monthly report on construction advancements, maintenance, and the community’s financial situation.
Viola updated attendees on the electric sign initiative. The association was required to move the current sign, located at the North Gate, six feet because it was found to be in an easement. While this has delayed the installation of the updated structure, the general manager maintained that the apparatus is ordered, the necessary permits have been obtained, and construction will likely take place in mid-April.
OPA is committed to beautification. Seasonal flowers can be seen on the North Gate bridge, and bulbs have been planted at the north and south entrances. Viola said that spring flowers have been ordered and will be installed in late April. Mulching around trees is scheduled to begin soon, and seasonal banners, which the manager has received positive input about, will be cycled every few months.
On March 14, the department leaders for golf, Bob Beckelman, aquatics, Michelle Hitchens, and racquet sports, Terry Underkoffer, met with Worcester County Tourism Director Melanie Pursel to film a promotional video. The footage will be released on April 6.
Viola also said that Beckelman urged him to support a golfers’ lounge to increase the course’s competitiveness. The lounge is being built with new patio furniture donated by a local golfer.
“We will talk more about this down the road, but we are committed to getting lounge here, as we have for racquet sports, for the golfers,” the general manager said.
Viola said the association is determined to complete the tiki bar expansion before Memorial Day and finish the new pavilion at the Veteran Memorial grounds by Veterans Day in November.
As for the racquet sports building, $25,000 has been allocated for a new HVAC system, office furniture, window repairs, paint, and additional amenities. OPA is hopeful that these upgrades will improve the facility for their members.
Viola also gave an update on the community’s financial situation, which shows $48,000 favorability for February. This includes $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 a surplus. That means … we’re favorable. Everything has been earmarked … and it will be part of the budget going into next year.”
OPA Public Relations and Marketing Director Josh Davis said the year-to-date favorability is approximately $908,000, and the “forecast for the next fiscal year is roughly $1.5 million in spending and a total reserve balance of around $7 million.”
The next OPA Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m., April 20, in the Clubhouse Meeting Room.