Greetings Symphony Village Residents,

Thank you for your patience as governmental guidance allows Marylanders to move forward with the completion of Stage One of the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery. This guidance includes the opening of outdoor pools, contingent on the capability of a facility to meet the strict safety guidelines published by the MD Department of Health. Much of the recent community correspondence noted that the Board and Management have been working closely with the Association’s Attorney and insurance provider as it relates to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Please note that the Association’s Attorney and resources in the Community Association Management industry including Q&A Webinars with fellows of the College of Community Association Lawyer (CCAL) indicate that insurance companies will likely not cover the COVID-19 claims. Thus, the financial burden of legal counsel, court costs, etc. would likely fall onto the Association and in turn all residents if a claim were to arise as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This is one of the many reasons governmental guidance is being meticulously reviewed and monitored by Management and the Board all while working in conjunction with, the Association’s Attorney, insurance providers and applicable contractors to determine best practices and keep the community safe.

The volunteers in Symphony Village are beyond value and an asset to the community. The willingness of residents to volunteer during the COVID-19 Pandemic is admirable and appreciated. However, volunteer programs for the enforcement of COVID-19 guidance are not in the best interest of Symphony Village HOA or any other community association as indicated by the Association’s Attorney, insurance provider and the CCAL.

In conjunction with Management, the Board will be working with the principles of the Operations Committee as it relates to the reopening of the pools and Clubhouse.

The management staff has responded to all governmental orders applicable to Symphony Village promptly and appropriately. Actions Management has taken in order to prepare for the reopening of the pools and Clubhouse included but is not limited to the following:

• Prompt review and response to Governor Hogan’s executive orders as it relates to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• Obtaining high demand products such as gel hand sanitizer, EPA registered disinfectant cleaner, cleansing wipes, anti-bacterial soap, etc.
• Drafting and distributing updates from the Board and Management.
• Scheduling a prompt QAC pool inspection required for opening. All inspections were previously canceled by the County Health Department due to COVID-19.
• Ordering signage required for opening of the outdoor pool in accordance with governmental orders.
• Determining the proper occupancy for the pool area. There is conflicting guidance at this point. The spoken directive was 25% of maximum occupancy but in the written formula it is closer to 33% as published by the Governor’s Office. Clarification is forthcoming.
• Working to obtain clarification as to pool user sign in and sign out requirements – this is published in the Governor’s May 27, 2020 press release but not outlined in any orders or guidance.
• Requesting consideration be taken by the Board to determine staffing requirements needed to adhere to the governmental orders.

This is a reminder that the safety and health of all Symphony Village residents and staff is the Board’s priority. Every member of the board is concerned about the community and will not make any decisions lightly. This is not a guarantee for a timeframe in which the Clubhouse will be reopened. This is information only. The Clubhouse and outdoor pool will remain closed until further notice.

Finally, please be reminded that staff can be reached by phone at 410-758-8500 during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. if you have any questions or concerns. You can also email the General Manager, Rebecca Cook at gm@PROTECTED, and the Executive Assistant, Kimberly Cox at receptionist@PROTECTED. Staff is readily available and reachable in all ways other than person to person contact.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Symphony Village HOA Management

Sent on behalf of the Board of Directors as drafted by Management.