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R C Edition OCEAN PINES • WEST OCEAN CITY • BERLIN MD
June 15, 2025
THE PEOPLE’S PAPER
Volume 2, Issue 12
Referendum will decide future of South Fire Station in Ocean Pines Voters to consider $3.4 million project as part of 2025 Board of Directors election By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher Ocean Pines Association (OPA) members will vote this summer on whether to authorize the construction of a new South Fire Station to replace the current facility located at 911 Ocean Parkway. The referendum question will be included in the 2025 Board of Directors election ballot. If approved, it would authorize the OPA board and administration to proceed with the design and construction of a replacement facility at a target cost of up to $3.4 million, with a possible variance of up to 10%. The current South Fire Station was built in 1981. According to
OPA and the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD), the facility no longer meets modern standards for safety, accessibility or operational efficiency. Officials have identified deficiencies in the building’s structure, layout, energy systems and compliance with National Fire Protection Association and Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The referendum question reads as follows: “Do you authorize the Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors and Administration to proceed with the construction of a new South Fire Station at a target cost to OPA, Inc. of up to $3.4 million, with a possible cost variance of up
OPA to hold public hearing on fire station referendum
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
OPA to hold public hearing on June 27 at South Fire Station to discuss $3.4 million replacement proposal of the station ahead of referendum vote.
By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher Ocean Pines Association (OPA) will hold a public hearing at 2 p.m. Friday, June 27, at the South Fire Station, located at 911 Ocean Parkway. The hearing is part of the formal process required under
Section 4.08(a) of the OPA By-Laws to discuss a referendum question being placed on this year’s Board of Directors election ballot. The referendum asks whether OPA members authorize the board and administration to move forward with the construction of a new South
See PUBLIC HEARING page 2
to ten percent (10%)?” If approved, the new station would be built on the same footprint as the current one. The project is intended to address current deficiencies while providing a more functional facility. The existing station includes a bunkroom designed for one person that now houses four. Circulation challenges, mold, gas line concerns and drainage issues have also been cited as reasons for replacement. In July 2024, the OPA board unanimously approved a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the OPVFD. The MOU outlines provisions for the construction project, fire and emergency medical service responsibilities and
long-term ownership and maintenance of the facility. Under the agreement, the land on which the station sits will remain under the ownership of the OPVFD. Once construction is complete, ownership of the new building and associated improvements will transfer to OPA. The fire department will continue to cover property taxes, maintenance and repair responsibilities. The arrangement is expected to add value to OPA’s assets while maintaining operational independence for the fire department. The new MOU replaces previous agreements dating back to the 1970s, which had become layered with multiple addendums over time.
See REFERENDUM page 2
OPA candidate forum set for June 27; four candidates to appear, public invited to participate The Ocean Pines Elections Committee will host a public forum for candidates in the 2025 Board of Directors election on Friday, June 27 at 5 p.m. at the Clubhouse Meeting Room, 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines. All four certified candidates are expected to participate. In ballot order, the candidates are Stuart Lakernick, Steve Jacobs, Monica Rakowski and Amy Peck. The forum provides an opportunity for Ocean Pines homeowners to hear directly from those seeking a seat on the board. Candidates will respond to questions related to governance, public safety, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure and other issues affecting the community. The Elections Committee is accepting questions from residents ahead of the forum. Submissions See CANDIDATE FORUM page 3
ROC Edition • Submitted
Amy Peck, the only non-incumbent in this year’s board race, is a fulltime Ocean Pines resident and former appointed director. She cited independent decision-making, extensive research and a strong understanding of the association’s Governing Documents as key strengths in her candidacy.