Ocean Pines board approves $27,100 stormwater pipe replacement

The Ocean Pines Association Board approved a staff recommendation to spend $27,100.80 to replace a stormwater pipe, voting in favor of a contract with Depp Brothers Excavation at its April directors meeting.

The General Manager presented the capital request, saying the authorization was needed “to put in a pipe” and that the work is accounted for in routine operational budgets. The chair called the question after motions were made and the board approved the request by voice vote.

The GM clarified the expense will be handled through the operational/public-works budget rather than drawn from a capital reserve, explaining that large pipe replacements are capitalized but this particular pipe will be treated as an operational expense for the next fiscal year. No abstentions or roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.

Board members were given the opportunity to ask for additional details; none requested further discussion and the motion passed. The board then moved on to other agenda items.

The board’s action will allow staff to proceed with contracting and site work for the pipe replacement; the GM indicated the work recommendation originated from staff assessment and is scheduled through standard procurement and operational channels.