(July 20, 2017) The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors will tentatively meet Friday at 9 a.m. in the Assateague Room in the community center on 235 Ocean Parkway with one item on the agenda: a motion to remove Director Slobodan Trendic from the board. The session was originally scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m., but was changed because a director had a scheduling conflict. 

Trendic was elected last August, receiving 1,520 votes and coming in second in a pool of 11. Only Brett Hill received more votes with 1,900.

Both have two years remaining on their respective terms. 

Hill, now both a director and the interim general manager, as well as a target of frequent criticism by Trendic, proposed the motion. 

“I move that pursuant to Section 5.12(B) of the Ocean Pines By Laws, the Board conduct a hearing and subsequent vote for the removal of Director Trendic from the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors,” Hill wrote in the motion.

“Director Trendic has conducted himself with behavior that has violated not only attorney-client privilege, but also breached his fiduciary responsibilities as an officer of the corporation by disclosing confidential information to the press, in public meetings and in direct conversations with employees. 

“The Board needs to discuss the ramifications of Director Trendic’s actions and determine the best course to move forward in the best interest of the entire Association.”

Section 5.12(b) of the Ocean Pines Association bylaws state a director may be removed for cause by a two-thirds vote of the entire board, provided the director is notified and granted a hearing during a regular or special meeting. 

According to Section 5.04(c) of the bylaws, if Trendic is removed today, because a vacancy would occur after election ballots have been submitted to the secretary for printing, a board majority would vote to fill the vacancy, following the August election. 

Appointed directors serve for one year, until the next annual meeting held each August. 

The last time the board tried to remove a sitting director was in 2012 in an action against then director and current candidate Marty Clarke.

According to meeting minutes from Nov. 28, 2012, Ray Unger moved to adjourn to a closed session to discuss a legal matter, but Marty Clarke objected, saying he was told he was the subject of the meeting. 

Attorney Joe Moore recommended a closed session, stating if he advised the board during an open session, it could violate attorney/client privilege. The motion passed 5-2 with Clarke and Dave Stevens opposed.

Clarke and is one of four candidates running for two vacancies on the current board. Stevens is currently a director, although his term ends next month and he declined to run for reelection. 

Trendic sent a statement to the board on Monday, addressing the motion to remove him. 

“Last Thursday, Director Brett Hill introduced a motion to remove me from the OPA Board. President (Tom) Herrick immediately called for a special meeting of the Board for 7 p.m. today, July 20th, at the Community Center,” Trendic wrote.

“What does Brett Hill’s action mean to you, to our community and why should we care? We should because last year you entrusted me with your votes to be your director of choice. Today he will ask fellow directors to join his effort to remove me from the position you elected me to serve.

“Many of you are asking why this is happening; how did we get here. Here is why and how:  

“Months ago, I had a choice to make. Do I become a ‘Yes’ man to Brett Hill and [Board President] Tom Herrick and in turn disappoint homeowners that voted for me? My simple answer was ‘No.’ It all started last September when I recommended forming a work group to help the Board evaluate management options for our community and begin immediate search for the new general manager. Brett Hill said it was too early and he asked for more time. That needing more time has turned into being the acting general manager for the past 10 months. When I tried to properly support community-initiated 50th Anniversary Committee, President Herrick decided to remove me as the committee’s liaison.   

“That did not stop me from applying good governance and represent the best interests of the community.  For example, I challenged Brett Hill’s decision to install surveillance cameras in the private offices, which he did without the Board’s approval.

“My next concern was his decision to have a law firm that represents the Association from 150 miles away to also be the go-to for sensitive concerns the employees may wish to discuss in person. Recently I questioned his handling of the food and beverage venues that led to many operational problems. And, I challenged many others of Brett Hill’s unilateral decisions that he undertook without informing the Board beforehand. In essence I was doing what the community elected me to do.  

“But most alarming to me is Brett Hill’s massive staff terminations, damaging accusations of improper behaviors and resignations by certain valuable employees. For example, his controversial remarks resulted in written and verbal complaints by two employees. His management style, according to staff members, created a hostile work environment. Recently, I requested the Board go into a closed session to discuss these personnel matters in confidentially since it involves the names of specific employees. Majority of directors opposed my request and voted against it. 

“And this is why and how we got to today. So you decide. Is the effort to remove a director needed and if the answer is ‘yes’ should that be me or another director? 

“In summary, I thank all of you who have expressed your approval of my conduct as a director. And, I wish to thank you for your ongoing trust in my ability to promote a ‘good governance’ of our community.”

Hill, Herrick, Stevens and directors Doug Parks, Pat Supik and Cheryl Jacobs did not respond to requests for additional comments. 

(Any meeting date changes between now and next Thursday will be posted on www.baysidegazette.com)