By Greg Ellison

Director’s home up for sale, as first step in relocating  to western shore address

(Oct. 8, 2020) After putting his house up for sale last week, Ocean Pines Association Board member Steve Tuttle has let it be known that he intends to step down from that post before the end of his term.

Tuttle, who was elected in 2018 and served as vice president last year, is up for reelection in 2021.

OPA President Larry Perrone said Tuttle informed the board of his recent decision to test the real estate market.

“Steve sent the board a letter saying he was putting his house on the market and moving to the western shore,” he said.

Perrone said time frames for the board’s next move are linked to Tuttle’s closing on the property sale.

“Doug Parks mentioned that he didn’t see anything in the bylaws that required [Tuttle] to come off the board,” he said.

Perrone countered that board members are required to be in good standing and eligible to vote.

“To be a member you have to own property,” he said. “To my mind he is no longer qualified and can not be a member of the board.” That assumes, however, that the property has been sold.

Perrone said Parks requested a legal opinion on the matter from OPA Attorney Jeremy Tucker.

“Doug wanted to get an opinion for our attorney so we’re waiting on hearing on that,” he said. “It’s just common sense that if he’s no longer a homeowner in Ocean Pines than he has no right to vote on anything.”

Perrone said the current status of Tuttle’s home sale is unknown.

OPA bylaws state if a vacancy occurs 90 days before the Homeowner’s Annual Meeting, where election results are validated, the board shall appoint an interim replacement.

If the vacancy occurs within 90 days, more flexibility is provided as the “shall” dictate becomes a “may” directive.

For his part, when reached for comment Tuttle, while confirming his home is for sale, said at this time he has not resigned his board seat.

Perrone said for the time being Tuttle remains a board member in good standing, with discussions regarding potential replacements still premature.

“We’ll cross that bridge when it comes but at some point we’ll have to appoint someone else for the board,” he said. “There’s nothing to do until Steve settles.”