By Greg Ellison

(Sept. 17, 2020) Based on perceived lack of need, the Ocean Pines Board of Directors last Wednesday  voted to suspend the clubs committee, while leaving the door open to revive the advisory group if necessary.

Board member Tom Janasek, who serves as clubs committee liaison, introduced a first reading of a measure to consider suspending the group.

Janasek said the OPA resolutions state the entity’s purpose is to advise the board and general manager on social activities at the Beach Club, Yacht Club and Golf Clubhouse.

Janasek expressed gratitude to committee membership for past efforts, most notably when the OPA had to run the Beach and Yacht Clubs before contracting with the Matt Ortt Companies for food and beverage operations.

“It’s just a matter of the fact that we have a professional organization running it,” he said. “As of now, Ocean Pines is contracted with Matt Ortt to manage the clubs and [they] make their own special decisions.”

Janasek said since the Matt Ortt Companies have taken the reins, most suggestions from the clubs committee have been taken under advisement.

“They usually follow through with anything they feel needs to be taken care of,” he said.

Board member Colette Horn seconded Janasek’s motion, but asked if suspending the committee would allow for its return, “In the event we need to revive it.”

Janasek said his intent was to suspend but not fully eliminate the group, which could be reinstated if deemed necessary.

“If something happens and, God forbid, we end up that Ocean Pines is running [food service] again we want a committee to help us out,” he said. “We’ve had it happen with racquet sports and we’ve had it happen with golf.”

Board member Doug Parks asked what the proper protocol would be regarding future reinstatement.

“If we have to reinstate it, what’s the vehicle?” he said. “If we treat it as a first reading it gives us until the next [board] meeting to go and research the fact of does it makes sense to suspend versus change the resolution.”

Janasek agreed the matter could be revisited for a second reading at a subsequent board meeting for a formal motion after further research.

“The clubs committee hasn’t met in six to eight months anyway because of what’s going on [with coronavirus],” he said. “At that time we had [a] discussion … and they didn’t think they were bringing a lot to the table now that Matt [Ortt] and Ralph [DeAngelus] are doing such a great job.”

Janasek told OPA President Larry Perrone his initial intent was for a motion to suspend.

“You had mentioned that it should have been a first reading ,so I wrote it up as a first reading,” he said.

Janasek agreed when Perrone asked if he wanted to amend the first reading into a motion.

“I want to thank Gary Miller the chairperson … and the rest of that committee for putting in their time,” he said. “It’s always been so hard to get people to come and be on these committees.”