St. Martin's by the Bay

Call to Order: 6:05 pm Lynne Partridge, Chair

Announcement: The purpose of this meeting was to carefully review and consider three options for the future of our water system and establish a plan for a community vote. There was no other business discussed. I. Discuss Bill Custead’s detailed Water Options document: Bill, who has tirelessly and relentlessly pursued County water for us, presented in detail the three options: Full Replacement, Master Meter, Rebuild the Existing Well. II. Review Water Options Chart to compare 3 choices: Those options were charted with Pros, Cons, and Cost. Lynne presented them and questions were entertained. III. Consensus: After considerable discussion each Board member gave his/her thoughts on which option to pursue. Unanimously it was decided we should pursue Full Replacement of our water system. IV. Plans to present to community: There will be a letter of communication sent to the community immediately, followed by a slide show presentation and in person and virtual meetings. A required vote of 60% of home/lot owners is required to proceed with County water. This vote (which still has the option of rejecting a too high bid) is anticipated at the Annual Meeting on February 10, 2024 V. Questions to be answered: 1. Is St Martins getting water from Ocean Pines or the County? 2. Is St Martins subjected to Ocean Pines increases in water costs? 3. Is St Martins hooking into an Ocean Pines system or only a County feed? VI. Search for additional funding from the state to offset construction costs. Lynne is pursuing grant options to lower the cost of the loan portion. Meetings adjourned at 7:50. Next Scheduled Meeting: Budget: Wednesday, January 10, 2024.