February, 2025
Craig Costantino (Unit #46 Marina Drive): 26 years in St. Martins. Currently on the Board, I have worked as Dock Master; Community website, designer, maintenance and host; Email campaign management; Member Architectural Control Committee; Volunteer, landscaping maintenance; Graphics for signage; Pool set-up.

Bill Custead (11350 Marina Drive):  I retired on 12/31/21 after 47 years working in the utility construction business, the last 32 of which I spent as executive vice president of Anchor Construction, the largest utility contractor in the DC Metro area. Our work included the installation and repair of public water, sewer, storm drainage and electric conduits for municipalities, under contracts ranging from $500,000 to $25,000,000. My work specifically included managing/overseeing contract review, work scopes, subcontractors, scheduling, bidding, risk evaluation and operations. I would hope to use my experience to help the HOA Board manage its operations and participate in the upcoming installation of public water.
Andrew Davis (Unit #8 Riverview Drive): I am new to St. Martins, along with my wife and 2 daughters. We are excited to be part of this community; I’ve always enjoyed working with others toward a common goal. My work is in construction management. I managed the development and construction of several new home communities in Maryland. Currently I am US Construction Manager for an international design and construction firm.

Keith Miller (11750 Riverview Drive): My work experience is in restaurant services. For 12 years I was purchasing director for 5 large restaurants in the Maryland/Delaware area. Currently, I am in sales management for Wagner Food Service, a large ($65 million annual sales) foodservice distributor covering the Mid-Atlantic area. My work includes sales management, advanced strategic planning, purchasing and distribution. I currently serve as Treasurer and on the Architectural Review Committee. I have enjoyed other volunteer work as a Sunday school teacher and girls lacrosse coach. I believe I can assist the Board manage the important assets of our community.
Lynne Partridge (Unit #20 Riverview Drive): After 41 years in elementary education as a teacher and administrator, I have retired. I’ve been in the Ocean Pines area for over 30 years, and in St. Martins for the past 9 years. I am completing my second  3-year term on the HOA Board, during which I served as Board Secretary and as Chair of the Architectural Review Committee and in the last term as Board Chair.
I am proud of the Board’s reorganization and commitment to ensure that we as a Board strengthen our organization, develop strategic planning, and continue to serve this community with responsibility and fidelity. I look forward to working with Board and community members in these efforts. 

Patty Pino
(Coming Soon)

John Rego
(Coming Soon)


Janie Stopford (11343 Marina Drive): I worked as a nurse practitioner, started and was head of the graduate nursing program at Widener University, and have a Ph.D. in exercise physiology. My husband Jeff and I bought our first lot in St. Martins in 1988, have had a house here since 1992, and now live here full time. We also rent property adjoining the community, on which we have a pasture and maintain trails open to the public. I am completing my third 3-year term on the HOA Board.  I have served as Secretary. I have helped out when and where help was needed: pool operations, boatyard reorganization, burn pile, repairs to water and sewer systems, Architectural Review Committee, beach area. I enjoy our small community. I want to see it run fairly and responsibly.

Happy Fall Neighbors!
This update summarizes the minutes from our latest HOA Board meeting of 10/15/24
and shares recent important events. (Minutes of the 10/15/24 HOA Board meeting have
been posted to the website). We continue to be thankful for our resident volunteers who
answer the call when needed. Bill Smith, John Rego, Chris Ramey, and Matt Taylor
have offered their expertise on a number of projects around the community.
Board terms will be up next February for 6 members. Thankfully Janie Stopford has
decided to remain with us for another term. At the October 15th Board meeting we
voted to increase the Board of Directors from 8 to 10, and so we are looking for two new
Board members. A call for nominations will be mailed later this Fall. If you are a resident
who is willing to contribute your time and energy to helping maintain and run our
community, please consider joining us. If you have any ideas or want further
information, feel free to reach out to any Board member!

Water Pipe Breaks
Water line pipe breaks have occurred at 2 townhomes within the last 2 months. Deppe Bros Excavations have repaired both at a cost to individual homeowners. It is the practice of the HOA that breaks in the 3 inch water main are the responsibility of the HOA, while breaks in the ¾ inch water lines to individual homes are the responsibility of the homeowner. Since last December there have been 5 breaks to water lines or shut-off valves all of which have been at the cost to individual homeowners. With the age of our infrastructure, we anticipate there may be more breaks coming, Because of this we are urging homeowners to consider replacing the water lines to their homes once the county installs the new system. This will be strictly voluntary as it will be at the cost to each homeowner. We are hoping to secure a group rate for anyone interested….
more to come as the time nears.

Water Supply
The recent report of a metallic taste and smell was due to a crack in the chlorine pipe. It has been fixed.

Waterfront
A fall phragmites clearing will be scheduled for November 29 followed by a late spring
clearing date TBD. We will send out a reminder as volunteers are appreciated. ​Pool
Estimates for a clogged backwash pipe, leaky skimmer, repair of patio cracks, and
repainting of the bathroom floors were discussed and plans for these repairs will be
underway before the 2025 season.

Tennis Courts
After much discussion about the use of the tennis courts; boat storage versus family
multi use, it was decided that residents John Rego and Matt Taylor will investigate
options and present them to the Board for consideration.

Burn Pile
Burn is scheduled for Friday after Thanksgiving (November 29, 2024).
As we head into the Fall and holiday season, wishing you well.
On behalf of the St. Martin’s By The Bay HOA Board of Directors,
Lynne Partridge, Chair

As the summer comes to an end, it's time for one last splash at the pool—but this time, it's for the dogs! While the pool officially closes to residents on Sunday, September 15th, we're excited to offer a special Doggy Swim Day on Monday, September 16th. This unique event allows your furry friends to enjoy the water before the pool is prepped for the off-season.
​

Bring your pooch to the pool for some fun and exercise as they paddle and play alongside other neighborhood dogs. It's the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer with your best four-legged companion!
Don't miss out—mark your calendars and join us for Doggy Swim Day!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Minutes from the June 18, 2024 HOA Board meeting have been posted to the website.
Our pool has opened for another successful season. Thanks to all Board members who
contributed to the opening, and a special thanks to Chris Ramey who spent several
hours powerwashing the decks, and Chad Milliken who assembled new pool furniture.
We truly appreciate our resident volunteers helping to maintain our community!
Call to Action: When I was invited to run for the Board I expected a policy making
group. Once elected, I quickly realized that the purpose of The St. Martin’s By The Bay
HOA Board of DIrectors is to serve as a facilities management company! Our small
community can not afford to hire out this service. Since our bylaws strictly prohibit
compensation of any kind for this work, HOA Board members volunteer their time and
expertise to maintain our community; from managing trash removal, boat slip/yard
rentals, septic, well maintenance, gardens, communication, and security. We do this
work in service to our community, and also because we view these efforts as an
extension of our duties as property owners to help maintain overall property values. We
urge all residents to join us in big and small ways according to your time and skills.
Board terms will be up next February for 6 members. We are looking for at least one
new Board member to replace Janie Stopford; preferably a single family, permanent
resident who will help us maintain a balanced board. If you are a resident who is willing
to contribute your time and energy to helping maintain and run our community, please
consider joining us. If you have any ideas or want further information, feel free to reach
out to any Board member!

Resident Volunteers: If time does not permit you to commit to Board work, please
consider becoming a Resident Volunteer…. This could be an ongoing project or a
simple one-time task. Every effort helps and is most appreciated. Current volunteers are
Jeff Stopford (oversaw the legally required Reserve Study, maintains community
gardens), Jolene Killinger (maintains community gardens, helps with elections,
oversees the pool), Bill Killinger (volunteers with County Water project and helps with
elections), Robin Custead and Betty Young (serve on the social committee), Pat
Costantino (advises on Architectural committee, assists with gardening), Chris Ramey
(helps with annual pool set up and power washes), Chad Milikan (does maintenance
odds and ends), Bill Smith, Phil Yakim, and Michael Gooch (volunteer to control
Phragmite growth at the waterfront).
As you can see it truly takes a village, and we urge you to join us in this important work.
There is always much to do!

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE: Curb Appeal continues to be our focus.
Property inspections were conducted again in May and the committee will issue letters
to several owners with recommendations for upkeep and violations that will need
immediate attention. These repairs will help maintain our overall property values and
sense of community well being.
The well pump house has been painted a new coastal color, and plans are underway to
clean it out in order to improve the curb appeal of the waterfront.
We are enjoying the efforts of last fall’s phragmite removal with improved waterfront and
views. This will be an ongoing effort to keep the invasive species at bay in order to
promote the healthy growth of the natural vegetation.

BOAT DOCK/BOATYARD: Craig Costantino
Repairs to the dock and boardwalk were completed in April.
Reminder that boat slip rentals are assigned on an annual basis according to the needs of the group. The HOA reserves the right to assign slips. No slip is guaranteed to a renter beyond the rental year. Boat yard rental space is reserved for residents only or any non-resident who may rent a boat slip. We will not be renting boat storage space to outsiders.
Boat yard storage fees: Only half of our owners have paid for boat yard storage. Keith will contact those who have not paid. Next year boat yard storage will be added onto the annual dues form.

COMMUNICATION:
Links to Board meetings will continue to be posted to the website. Community updates
will summarize Board notes for those unable to attend.

BURN PILE:
Please remember that only shrub and brush cuttings may be dumped. No trash or
treated lumber allowed. These items may prevent us from obtaining a burn permit in
the Fall.

LAWNCARE :
We continue to work to improve the gardens around our community. Special thanks to
Jeff Stopford and Jolene Killinger for their efforts on the Pool and townhouse gardens
respectively. Looking for volunteers to help weed and maintain the garden of Parking
Lot A. The additional parking spaces along the road were recently repaired.

DRIVEWAY, DUMPSTERS:
Dumpster fees are part of our annual dues. Only residents may dump trash. Please
remember to break down large boxes and no furniture. Items placed beside the
dumpster will not be taken.

WATER SUPPLY/ COMMUNITY SEPTIC:
Marina Drive single home septic pumping is in progress. Town homes are scheduled for
their annual septic pumping on August 6th. Please DO NOT PARK near units 16 and 40
during this time.
In March, Sharp repaired the filter/softeners at a cost of $3,000 + with a goal of fewer
interruptions over the summer months. The system seems to have improved and we are
hopeful that the upcoming holiday season will prove uneventful. Several Board
members met with a representative from Sharp to develop a plan to improve the
drainage of the pump house. Sharp will also install a storage cabinet to make the
interior a more suitable work environment. The exterior has been weeded, mulched,
power washed, and painted. These actions will improve the overall appearance and
function of the pump house.

SUNSHINE/SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Our next scheduled event will be a Sunset Happy Hour on July 20th. Bring your favorite
beverage and snack and join us at the dock at sunset!

Resolution to Wetlands Tree Management:
The HOA is accountable to the MDE to enforce its laws on all HOA property. We will
strictly enforce regulations of the MD Department of Natural Resources which state that
trees and shrubs may not be removed, but can be pruned and limbed up to improve a
view. Pruning must be done with hand tools (includes hand operated chainsaws or
weed whackers ) to no more than 25% of the living canopy and lower branch
removal is limited to the lower 1/3 height of the tree.

Anyone wanting a tree or shrub trimmed in the waterfront or wetlands MUST FIRST
SUBMIT A REQUEST to the HOA Board at [email protected]. All requests to
trim trees/shrubs on HOA property will be conducted by the HOA representatives with
costs to be incurred by the resident who makes the request. Failure to follow these
guidelines may result in a $500 fine from the HOA as well as additional fines from MDE.
Our next scheduled HOA Board meeting will be Tuesday, August, 20, 2024, with a link to the meeting to be posted on the website.
Here’s to a wonderful, relaxing summer season,
​
On behalf of the St. Martin’s By The Bay HOA Board of Directors,
Lynne Partridge, Chair