The clubhouse was packed for this year's annual membership meeting at Mallard Bay on October 18, 2008. Presided over by MBPOA President Barry Kean, the meeting continued for over two hours of lively discussion on a variety of topics. For a detailed breakdown of the proceedings, see the Minutes of the 2008 Annual Membership Meeting.
Items Discussed
Approval of the minutes from the 2007 annual meeting.
Approval of Treasurer's report indicating the association is in sound financial shape with adequate reserves.
Discussion of the arrival of a floating kayak launching device, the "Yak-a-Launcher".
Announcement of upcoming social events including "Cocktails on the Rivah" and a special casino night.
Plans for 2009 including:
Handicapped access to the clubhouse.
Expanded parking spaces.
Installation of donated park benches.
The Architectural Review Committee reported slow housing starts for the past year with a total of eighty completed houses in the community.
Amendments to the Covenants
Most of the discussion focused on three proposed amendments to the covenants, each of which required at least 83 "yes" votes to pass. First on the list was the proposal to increase the minimal square footage of new housing construction by 250 square feet. By counting mailed-in ballots as well as those submitted at the meeting, the measure passed. The second proposal involved allowing Mallard Bay residents to rent out individual rooms in their homes. The measure did not have sufficient votes to pass, but the assembled members voted to allow any mailed-in votes postmarked before 31 October, 2008. Finally, the membership voted in favor of allowing traffic on public areas in Mallard Bay, thus clearing the final hurdle for use of golf cars in the community.
By November 4, 2008, all votes had been tallied with the final results as follow:
Proposal #1 - Increase the minimal square footage of new housing construction by 250 square feet. 85 YES votes. Measure passed.
Proposal #2 - Allow Mallard Bay residents to rent out individual rooms in their homes. 39 YES votes. Measure failed.
Proposal #3 - Allow vehicular traffic on public areas in Mallard Bay. 84 YES votes. Measure passed.
Straw Polls
The assembled property owners participated in straw polls held to give the MBPOA board a sense of the community's opinion on two matters. The first was whether or not renters in Mallard Bay should be afforded the same community amenities as enjoyed by owners. The straw poll indicated that renters should not be afforded such
privileges without some financial compensation to the community. The MBPOA board will take this opinion into consideration when revising the existing rules and procedures.
The second straw poll had to do with development of an identification badge system for property owners' guests to help insure only legitimate persons are using the Mallard Bay facilities. The poll indicated community support of some type of identification. The MBPOA board will take this poll into consideration as well in revising the rules and regulations.
Following the long, and at times intense meeting, the social committee provided their usual delicious selection of refreshments that succeeded in easing frayed nerves and reminding all that one of the biggest benefits to living in Mallard Bay is the atmosphere of neighborliness it provides.
Election of Board Members
MBPOA board members serve for two-year terms. Elections for members whose terms are expiring are held each year in October at the annual general members' meeting.
At the meeting, two new board members, Art Kilpatrick and Carl Wigginton were elected. They will take office at the first monthly meeting of 2009, replacing Dave Marcel and Carol Henderson whose terms are expiring.
Current board members who were re-elected for additional two-year terms were Sam McKinney, Jane Locke and Scott McGuire.
Board members Barry Kean, Jeanne Widenmyer and Brenda Johnson each have one year remaining on their terms.
Presentation of Extra Mile Award
This year's "Extra Mile" award was presented to Carol Bracker by MBPOA President Barry Kean at the October 18th, 2008 annual membership meeting. The "Extra Mile" award is presented annually by the Board of Directors to a Mallard Bay resident or property owner who has made an exceptional contribution to the quality of life that makes Mallard Bay the best place to live in the Northern Neck.
Carol served on the MBPOA Board of Directors as secretary in 2003-2004 and as President in 2005-2006. Her administration saw the initiation of several major projects including marina expansion and construction of the new crabbing, canoe and kayak pier, clearing and improvement of the Spring Valley trail, and heating the community pool. Her active, hands-on management was vital in keeping the Board aware and involved in community issues and set the tone for subsequent MBPOA actions. Since leaving the Board at the end of 2006, Carol has served on the nominating committee and the "three Carols" social committee.
