Neighbors, the BRMCA BoD will vote on the following civic association bylaw changes during next Monday’s meeting. The proposed bylaw changes, below, will alter how the BRMCA conducts the annual election of BoD members. The shift will move us away from paper ballots (which costs the association upwards of $300) to online voting. The proposed language also includes checks against our BRMCA member list to ensure that we only count one ballot per BRMCA member residence. All are welcome, member and non-member alike, to voice their opinion about this proposed change and offer alternative solutions or changes to the proposed language. The meeting will take place at our clubhouse (1811 Ridge Road), Monday the 16th at 7pm. Also, it is pure coincidence that this bylaw proposal is being put forward in the aftermath of the national election. Since we are a civic association (not a HOA), funded by voluntary $50 annual dues, we are trying to conserve money and volunteer time, which is possible if we shift from paper to online ballots and voting.

Section 8. Part D. Mailing of Ballots

Current – At least 30 days before the date of the annual meeting, the Secretary will mail to each paid up member on the rolls as of that date, a ballot containing the names of all persons nominated together with reproduced copies of their short biographical sketch or campaign statement, and return envelopes. One ballot will be mailed for each lot owned by the member plus one for an owner-occupied residence if any. The Treasurer will certify that the member has paid his membership dues and affix his signature and the corporate seal to the ballot before it is mailed. No member who joins or pays his dues later than 30 days before the September annual meeting may receive a ballot.

Proposed – Change the title of Section 8 from “Mailing of Ballots” to “Ballots and Voting”

Proposed – At least 30 days before the date of the annual meeting, the BoD will post to the BRMCA.net website (with all reasonable attempts to repost on other social media platforms) a ballot that depicts the names of all persons nominated together with their short biographical sketch or campaign statement. BRMCA members may cast their vote via BRMCA.net. The BoD will cross-reference the digital ballots with the BRMCA member list to ensure only one ballot is counted per owner-occupied residence for paid members on the rolls as of the date ballot information is posted to BRMCA.net. Should more than one ballot be cast per paid member residence, the BoD will email said resident based on the email address filed during said members BRMCA membership registration. If no response is received from said residence as of the start of the annual meeting, the first ballot cast (per the digital timestamp) will be counted and all subsequent ballots from the same owner-occupied residence will not be counted.

Section 8. Part E. Counting the Ballots

Current – At the annual meeting, sealed envelopes containing the ballots will be delivered to the Secretary by mail or by hand. No ballot received later than 9:00 PM will be counted. At 9:01 PM the Secretary and his designated assistants will begin opening the ballots, one by one, in full view of all present: and read off the votes which will be recorded publicly by the Treasurer and his designated assistants. When all ballots have been counted, the Treasurer will announce the winners. Those with the most votes will be elected to the posts vacant with the longest terms.

Proposed – Before the annual meeting, an officer will print all ballots. At the annual meeting, ballots will be delivered to the Secretary by hand. No ballot received later than 7:00 PM will be counted. At 7:01 PM the Secretary and his designated assistants will read off the votes which will be recorded publicly by the Treasurer and designated assistants. When all ballots have been counted, the Treasurer will announce the winners. Those with the most votes will be elected to the posts vacant with the longest terms.