BMPA bylaws proposed amendments
Background
The BMPA bylaws are legally binding rules that govern how BMPA, as a state recognized not-for-profit corporation, must operate. The bylaws were originally written in 1968 and lack the flexibility necessary to operate BMPA in the digital age.
The Directors propose making two amendments which will facilitate engagement and communications with the membership. The first amendment will allow the board to hold the required annual members meeting during or after a Spring work party. This will ensure a quorum is met for required votes. Second, the board proposes amending the bylaws to allow electronic voting (e-mail or web poll). Currently, votes are only allowed in person or by mail. Membership voting is an important part of running BMPA – we need member input with respect to investments, improvements, board members, etc. In accordance with Article XII of the bylaws, these changes were initially proposed at the 2024 annual meeting.
Proposed amendments
Amendment 1: To facilitate member engagement, we propose amending the bylaws so that the annual members meeting may be scheduled to coincide with a spring work party. Currently, the annual meeting must be held in November and very few members attend. In Article V, Section 1 of bylaws, replace “on the first Monday in the month of November” with “on the day of the first Spring work party”
Amendment 2: To facilitate voting by email or web poll, we propose amending the bylaws to include digital communications. The current bylaws only permit in-person or mail-in voting. In Article XII of the bylaws, replace “mail ballot” with “mail or electronic communications”