By Greg Ellison

(Feb. 27, 2020) Developing procedures for establishing an online “virtual resident’s academy” dominated discussions during the Ocean Pines Association Communication Committee last Thursday.

Committee Chairwoman Jenny Cropper Rines said the matter was explored during the group’s meeting in January, with chapter headings deemed applicable. Among the headings would be a HOA overview, financials, public safety, amenities or services along with public works and projects.

“We talked to who would be the appropriate person last time,” she said.

Rines said in some instances, such as the HOA overview, there is existing information that simply requires updating.

Board liaison Dr. Colette Horn said the intent of developing content for the resident’s academy is to assure that the most knowledgeable person is assigned for various subsections.

Rines asked who should ascertain what person would be best suited to take the lead for the assorted areas.

“It could be a communication committee task,” she said.

Horn said although General Manager John Viola or a board member could be involved, depending on the particulars, direct ownership by OPA employees might be advisable.

“It’s probably more appropriate for somebody on the staff because ultimately it’s going to be staff-owned,” she said.

Rines suggested a cross-training approach across various job sections that could also incorporate online data.

“We talked about trying to do the interactive map,” she said.

Horn said based on earlier discussions with other board members, there was general sentiment to retain face-to-face interactions with OPA staff for new community members, although there was no opposition to an online presence.

Committee member

The Ocean Pines Association Communication Committee reconvened discussions about developing an online “virtual resident’s academy” during its meeting on Feb. 20.

asked if the residents academy could piggyback off the annual board orientation process for newly elected members.

Rines said the board orientation process could provide some content, but was not as detailed as it should be on the range of issues.

“This isn’t going to be a quick process,” she said.

Horn highlighted the importance of providing an overview of financial procedures, which are often areas newly elected board members find confusing.

“What we get most misunderstandings about are things like what is replacement reserves and how do we budget for that,” she said.

With a rough overview of potential experts to assist in the resident’s academy, Rines pondered further progress.

“Right now, we have a breakdown of what committee members or staff person is part of the presentation,” she said. “What does it take to get to the next steps?”

Rines said a likely path would be developing scripts for the academy’s presenters to follow.

“We could send speakers a breakdown prior,” she said. “That would give them the opportunity to think about it.”

The committee agreed to have Rines outline the resident’s academy flow of information and to confirm Viola agrees with the progress.