… Find a way of rewarding those who work hard for the community, and discouraging those who are more interested in the reward (cash as well as influence) and you’ve got it…
I think the sort of person who works hard for the community and does the right thing tends to feel rewarded when they feel appreciated and recognised. Hence my suggestion in response to the original question that someone be lined up to say some nice words at the AGM about how the particular committee member has put in an exceptional effort, over and above, much appreciated etc. and propose that the committee be authorised to purchase that person a gift such as a restaurant voucher or similar. Although the voucher has a cash value, it does not have quite the same mercenary feeling as just handing over a wad of cash.
If it were me, I think I would feel better about being offered a night out at a nice restaurant with my wife who has often taken up the slack at home on occasions when I got distracted by Owners Corporation matters. If I were just given a lump of money, even if twice as much as the restaurant voucher, I don’t think I would feel appreciated in quite the same way. A debate about just how much money might even negate what was intended as an appreciative gesture no matter what amount was offered in the end.