Come have some holiday cookies! A short business meeting on Thursday, December 4th at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Brock Center 7-8 pm. Join us also on ZOOM!

On the agenda:

• Fireworks Update and Planning for next year
• Bylaws Update
• 2026 Budget first look
• 4 more days to donate for gift cards for children in the CASA program!

Minutes from November Meeting:

From our Parliamentarian Ashley MacLeod:

Why are the OPCL Bylaws Are Being Updated? 

At the September 2024 OPCL meeting, Michael Wagner-Diggs, MBA, PRP, served as Parliamentarian to assist with rules of order and interpretation of the existing bylaws. Following his review, he strongly recommended that the OPCL Bylaws undergo a comprehensive revision.

While the immediate priority prompting this update was to clarify the number of votes per member and to define membership categories and eligibility, it is considered best practice to review the entire bylaws document whenever any amendments are proposed.

Because changes to the bylaws require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote for approval, rather than a simple majority, conducting a full review ensures efficiency, consistency, and alignment with current governance and operational needs.

After review, most of the recommended edits or updates are wording or language changes (about 16) allowing for clearer understanding.   Approximately 11 edits or additions would change policy or process.   The key below has been created to assist members in easily identifying the edits themselves, the explanation of and type of changes.  

Timeline

• Bylaws Proposed changes presented at regular monthly meeting Nov. 6 at CBF Brock Center
• First Review/ Information Meeting Nov. 24 at OPVRS
  Second Review Meeting Dec. 2 at OPVRS 6-7 pm.
• Update at regular monthly General Membership Meeting Dec. 4 at CBF Brock Center
• No confirmed date for General Membership vote

At the November 6 Membership meeting we had an informative talk from Officer Schoenbach on the new technologies used to help their efforts to find and hold law breakers responsible and many updates from President Danny Murphy.

Plans are moving forward for the sidewalks on Shore Drive. Update from Councilman Joash Schulman: “After generations of being de-prioritized, Shore Drive will have continuous ADA-compliant sidewalks and curb ramps installed on both sides of the street between Marlin Bay Drive and the Lesner Bridge. Construction will begin late 2025 and be complete by Fall 2026.”

Come on by and have a cookie and a drink while you get the latest updates! On the agenda we have a report from Officer Schoenbach and the latest news about projects in the neighborhood. Also on the agenda: vote on recommendation to fund the security at LBR in next year’s City Budget, the election of treasurer, report on Fall Fest and an update on recommended changes to the bylaws.

More on the bylaws: This fall, the OPCL BOD conducted a comprehensive review of our bylaws to ensure they reflect current neighborhood needs. Our parliamentarian provided strategic guidance on opportunities to enhance the bylaws, including improvements to business operations. We will review proposed changes and allow for member feedback before posting a final version on the website for membership review a month prior to any formal vote. Bylaws require 2/3 of the membership to approve.

Join us on ZOOM: LINK to the meeting.

And thanks to those who helped us raise money for the SPCA! We donated over $100 and a giant box of treats and toys for our local shelter pets.

At the Bayfront Advisory Commission Meeting, Councilman Joash Schulman announced that Flock cameras (License Plate Readers (LPN)) have been installed at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp. Flock cameras detect and capture license plates and vehicle characteristics like make, model, and color, including distinguishing features like bumper stickers, dents, and roof racks. These cameras will enhance the VBPD’s ability to follow up on incidents at the boat ramp and also be a deterrent against the racing and congregating at the facility.

From Mary Faust:

“Wow! An unexpectedly big turnout for our cleanup yesterday in Pleasure House Point Natural Area! Over 60 pounds of refuse removed thanks to the many hands (large and small!)! That may not seem like a lot but when you take into account much of what is removed are tiny bits of plastic and bottles and cans, well…..it is a lot!

It was lovely to see the families with their little ones and furbabies! And then see them again at the OPCL Fall Festival! Apologies for not having my chocolate muffins this time (won’t happen again!) but 27 participants was a surprise! Thank you to the following folks and families:

Tim Lindemann; Brian, Jenny, Creighton and Brooks Snyder; Amy Meverdon, William and Charlotte (and Apollo and Pearly!); Reid Baker; The Buhl family Lauren, Victor and Everett and Teddy; Merle Younkin; Ali Fortier; Danny Murphy The Prez!; Jennifer Fevrick and her grand-daughter; Lori Beatty plus one; Ellie, Lauren and Daschell Gardner; and Carrie, Liam and Gavin. Thank you everyone!! Amazing!!“

Learn about the Wetlands Restoration at Pleasure House Point from 10 am to noon! Sign up for a tour! Lynnhaven River Now has added another tour for Saturday, October 26th!