By Greg Ellison

Talks will take place during closed meeting of board

*UPDATE* BROWN APPOINTED

Following a brief closed session discussion on Wednesday, the OPA Board voted unanimously to appoint Frank Brown to serve out the remainder of departing Director Steve Tuttle’s term. Tuttle, who stepped down from his elected position at the conclusion of the board meeting on Saturday, is planning to relocate from the area next month. Brown will fill the role through August 2021 when Tuttle’s term winds down.

(Oct. 22, 2020) Following the recent departure of Board of Directors member Steve Tuttle, the OPA board scheduled a closed session meeting on Wednesday to vet potential replacement candidates.

Board member Frank Daly said two former board candidates have tossed their respective hats in the ring.

“Both Stuart [Lakernick] and Paula Gray approached the board and sent an email to all members saying they were interested in filling the position,” he said.

Daly said there is no official means to weigh the selections.

“There’s no formal way for a candidate to be nominated and seconded,” he said. “Paula and Stuart approached the board directly but others may have approached board members or the GM [John Viola] and said, ‘I’m interested.’”

Conversely, board members may have approached potential candidates to solicit their interest, Daly said.

Daly said he has yet to communicate with two other candidates under consideration, Tom Piatti and Frank Brown.

“When Esther Diller resigned from the board, I nominated Tom Piatti to replace her,” he said.

Although Piatti only filled the interim role for less than half a year, Daly expressed confidence in his ability to contribute and collaborate with other members.

Daly has also worked closely with Brown on past capital initiatives.

“I put the motions forward to build the new police station, the new golf clubhouse and new cart barn,” he said. “I worked with him extensively before putting those motions forward on the design … and costing of those facilities.”

Daly said Brown was also involved during the initial construction phase for the various projects.

“I have a very good feel for his ability to do things,” he said.

Daly also noted both Piatti and Brown are currently serving on the Budget and Finance Committee.

“They’ve served the community, they have an excellent grasp of the numbers and I’ve worked with both of them extensively,” he said.

Daly also said due to a lack of former experience working with Gray and Lakernick he posed two core questions to both parties, concerning their knowledge base and ability work on current initiatives.

“I don’t have that same information on Stuart or Paula so that’s why I asked them those questions,” he said.

Daly also expressed a willingness to hold the meeting to vet selections scheduled on Wednesday in open session.

“I would not have a problem in conducting this discussion in an open session,” he said.

Daly said based on prior legal guidance, Maryland HOA law permits the matter to be debated without public scrutiny.

“If the homeowners law says we have to do it in open sessions, I’d do it in open session,” he said. “Right now the … law says you can do it in closed session, that’s my understanding.”