Minutes from 10/21/07

Meeting was brought to order by acting President, Michael Dallas.

Bylaw Adoption:

Members were given copies of the bylaws to review. Two issues were raised and subsequentally voted upon. Under Article V, membership, number of votes per property was discussed. Five voted for the bylaws as drafted and five voted for a change. In case of the tie, the acting President broke the tie and bylaws were voted as drafted. Under Article VI the issue of being able to have future dues was discussed. Current draft of bylaws stated an increase in dues would have to occur by a majority vote of the membership (not just executive board). Discussion included a clause to prohibit dues from ever being collected. Draft bylaws was adopted in a 7-3 vote as written. Following the discussions of articles of concern, entire draft bylaws was adopted, as is, in a 7-3 vote.

Elections:

Election results were as followed. All positions ran without opposition.

President: Michael Dallas
Vice President: Deanne Kearney
Treasurer: Brian Keller
Secretary: Debbie Ballard

Concerns and Issues for Consideration for the NA:

• Condemned house on Island View
• Dead trees in park near Island View
• Location of drilling rigs
• Developement of Jacksboro Highway
• Approachment by gas companies of individuals
• Sewer lines to Love Circle- current plans are in the 1-6 year range of happening. Sewer to Watercress and other circles in the 6-15 year range.
• trim trees around roadway (past Island View on Watercress)
• Erosion and repaving of Watercress
• Development of a phone tree to involve more members

Meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:10.

Bylaws - Adopted June 5, 2022

BYLAWS OF

Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association

ARTICLE I - NAME:

The legal name of this organization shall be the “Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association.”

ARTICLE II - BOUNDARIES:

The boundaries of the Association are:

Properties along the shoreline of Lake Worth (lake) starting at the eastern boundary of the Fort Worth Nature Center (currently the first inhabited address is 7568 Love Circle, Fort Worth TX 76135) and continuing along the western shoreline up to and including the address 9309 Watercress Drive, Fort Worth TX 76135. 

ARTICLE III - OFFICE:

The Association's principal office and address shall be designated by the Board.

ARTICLE IV - PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association is to provide an organized framework to promote, preserve, and enhance the quality of life and values in the Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association neighborhood by:

Encouraging a sense of community and pride among Association members.

Establishing a communication link with City Council, City Manager's offices, Code Enforcement, Neighborhood Police Officers, other city departments, and any other person or entity that affects the Association neighborhood or its members.

Empower Association members to address collective and/or unique issues concerning their properties by providing help, support, and advice of the Association and its membership.

As a voluntary neighborhood association, the Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association has no power to place any requirements on residents living in the Scenic Shores area - financial or otherwise.

ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP:

Regular Membership: A member of Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association shall be any person over the age of eighteen that resides within the Association boundaries. In order to vote, a member must be in good standing with the Association. "Good standing" shall mean the member has not been expelled nor has excluded his or her property from the Association. Those who have excluded themselves from the Association and who want to rejoin may be admitted back into the Association by a vote of the board.

There is one (1) vote per household and property. Lots with multiple households shall have only one vote. A household with more than one property shall have only one vote. All residents living in the Association area are automatically members unless they make a specific request to be excluded from membership.

Business Membership: A business member of Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association shall be any person, firm, or corporation operating a place of business within the Association's boundaries who wishes to join the Association. Non-Residential members will be classified as a Business Member and shall have the privilege of the floor, but have no voting privileges and cannot hold office. The Executive Board must vote Business Members in.

Associate Membership: An associate member of Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association shall be any person, firm, or corporation who neither resides, owns property, nor operates a place of business within the Association's boundaries, but nevertheless, maintains an interest in the Association and its purposes. Associate members shall have the privilege of the floor, but have no voting privileges and cannot hold office. The Executive Board must vote Associate Members in.

ARTICLE VI - DUES:

The annual dues for the Association memberships will be set as follows:

Regular Membership - $0 yearly per household (free)

Business Membership - $0 yearly per household (free)

Associate Membership - $0 yearly per household (free)

ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS:

Regular Membership Meetings: Membership meetings will be at a time selected by the Executive Board each October. Meetings may be held more often as determined by the Executive Board.

Regular Board Meetings: Regular Executive Board meetings shall occur at least once per year. The regular meetings of the Executive Board shall be determined and scheduled by the board. Notice of the Executive Board meeting schedule shall be given to the membership at least 4 days in advance. All Executive Board meetings shall be open to any members of the Association.

Special Meetings: Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, by a majority of the Officers elected to conduct the business of the Association, or by a petition containing signatures of at least seven (7) voting members of the Association.

Notice of Meetings: Notice for all meetings, identifying the time and place of the meeting as well as the intended purpose of the meeting, shall be provided to the members of the Association at least 4 days before meetings are to be held. Such notice of meetings may be hand carried, mailed, emailed, posted within the Association’s web site, or posted on the Association’s Facebook Page.

Membership Meeting Quorum: The members of the Association present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum.

Executive Board Quorum: A majority of the Executive Board members must be present to constitute a quorum.

Open Meetings: All meetings are open to all members.

Absentee Voting: Any member who wishes to vote but is unable to attend the election may provide his or her choices to the Secretary in writing before the membership meeting. Absent members realize that all candidates and issues presented at the meeting may not be known in advance of the meeting.

ARTICLE VIII – EXECUTIVE BOARD:

Section 1: The elected Officers shall constitute the Executive Board of the Association.

Section 2: The Executive Board shall supervise the affairs of the Association in accordance with its stated purpose and policies; set the agendas for the regular meetings; transact any business between meetings of the Association and report thereon at the next meeting; and make recommendations to the general membership on matters before the Association.

ARTICLE IX – OFFICERS:

Officers: The four Officers of Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association shall be the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Sergeant at Arms.

Term: Officers shall assume their duties in January and shall serve for two year(s) until their successors are duly elected.

Eligibility: Any member in good standing of Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association is eligible for election to office.

Elections: Officers shall be elected at the October meeting by a simple majority vote of members present.

Nominations: At the October meeting, the Executive Board may nominate members (including existing board members) for office. Nominations from the membership shall be heard at this time also.

Vacancies:

In the event the President is unable to complete his/her term, the Vice-President shall become the President for the unexpired portion of the term.

For other vacancies in offices other than the President, the Executive Board shall appoint a member to fill the unexpired term with a simple majority vote or may allow the offices of Secretary and / or Sergeant at Arms to be vacant as long as the offices of President, Vice-President, and Treasurer are filled.

Unexcused absences as determined by the Executive Board from 3 consecutive meetings will constitute a vacancy of office.

Retirement: Upon retirement from office, each officer shall deliver to his/her successor, all records, papers, and other property belonging to the Association.

Removal From Office: At a Special Meeting of the Members, duly called in accordance with Article VII of these Bylaws, any Officer may be removed from his/her position with just cause by a majority vote of the Members. A successor may then and there be elected to fill the vacancy. Any Officer whose removal has been proposed by the Members shall be given an opportunity to be heard at the meeting prior to the vote for removal.

ARTICLE X – DUTIES OF OFFICERS:

President: The President shall be the principal officer of the Association and shall:

Preside at all meetings of the Association.

Be the sole spokesperson for the Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association. The Executive Board may designate another member to serve in this capacity as necessary.

Sign with the Treasurer or any other officer authorized by the Executive Board, all checks, contracts, and other legal documents.

Appoint committee chairpersons with approval of the Executive Board.

Shall be empowered to vote in meetings of the general membership and the Executive Board only when necessary to break a tie vote.

Vice-President

Serve and assume all responsibilities in the absence of the President.

Act as special assistant to the President and represent the President whenever so designated.

Perform all such duties as requested by the President or Executive Board.

Treasurer: The Treasurer shall:

Collect membership dues and keep records of paid members.

Maintain custody of all financial records of the Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association and deposit all such funds in a bank approved by the Executive Board.

Pay all bills and distribute funds by check only upon receipt of a bill. The Treasurer and the President with the approval of the Executive Board must sign all checks.

Submit a written financial report at each meeting and give a copy to the Secretary.

Secretary: The Secretary shall:

Keep minutes of the proceedings of all meetings of the Association.

Preserve in file all records of value to the Association.

Maintain a current roster of membership indicating the name, address, and telephone number of each member as well as his/her classification of membership.

Conduct the correspondence of the Association.

Perform such other duties as requested by the President or Executive Board.

ARTICLE XI –POLICIES:

The Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association shall be non-commercial, nonpartisan and nonsectarian.

The name of the Association or names of any members in their official capacities shall not be used in any connection with a commercial concern, or with any partisan interest or for any purpose not appropriately related to the promotion of the objectives of the association.

The Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association shall not directly or indirectly endorse any political candidate or party.

ARTICLE XII – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY:

Procedures at all meetings shall be conducted with due regard to parliamentary practice with Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised serving as the authority on all points not covered specifically by these Bylaws.

ARTICLE XIII – AMENDMENTS:

Amendments to these Bylaws shall be made at any regular or special meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members who are present and in good standing, provided that notice of such meeting contains the proposed amendments(s). Such amendments shall be effective as of the date of enactment.

ARTICLE XIV – DISSOLUTION:

Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association may be dissolved with the majority vote of the Executive Board or 2/3 vote of the actual membership, provided that the disbursement of all monies and properties is acted upon prior to dissolution, and all liabilities and obligations of the corporation must be paid, satisfied, and discharged.

ADOPTED by a majority vote of the membership at the meeting held on the 5th day of June 2022.

Absentee Voting

If you would like to vote in the upcoming election but are unable to attend, please contact Acting Secretary Debbie Ballard with your choices. Your vote is valued and will be counted.

Click here to contact Debbie.

Minutes of Meeting on Sun 10/7/2007

Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association Meeting Minutes 10/7/07 2PM

Michael Dallas brought the meeting to order and discussed the purpose of the association including the differences between a home owners and neighborhood association (NA), lake dredging, development and enhancement of the area, park improvements and drilling.

Shelly Harper, President of the East Unified neighborhood discussed how everyone in their area has gotten to know each other. Unification equals clout with council, zoning board. Their group monitors concerns in their area such as soil erosion. The Eastside NA has enhanced their neighborhood socially with progressive dinners. They hold four meetings a year and have a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer as well as two directors at large. They negotiated their oil and gas leases for the neighborhood and worked out a fantastic deal for the members.

Joe Waller, head of the Lake Worth Alliance spoke and urged the west side of the lake to form an active association encouraging citizen participation in the ongoing dredging project.

Christi Lemons with the City of Fort Worth spoke about the benefits of an organized group. The city communications with the associations sending advanced notifications regarding zoning and other pertinent city information. She encouraged the NA to hold elections and create bylaws.

In response to questions about dues, it was explained the website was being used versus mass mailing to avoid costs and the need for dues. The purpose of the website is to distribute information and post blogs. Participation is voluntary.

Questions:

Concerns about self appointment of officers: Elections will be held and bylaws written to address length of terms and conditions of voting.

Sailboat Club did not want to be associated with the NA. Did not really want the NA and wants an election of officers. Interim officers were by volunteering as the form to become a NA required names of officers. Elections will be held as soon as possible. Sailboat Club representative was agreeable to that.

Toni Brown sent out a flyer to all neighbors cautioning about the NA becoming a watch dog and doesn’t want duplicate ordinances. Wants elections of officers and bylaws that protects everyone from "sleeping dragon". Intends to monitor website and wants to be informed.

Other discussions included:
Set a date for elections.
Decide how to handle absentee voting.
Bylaws needed to set boundaries of NA.
A neighbor new to the lake commended the formation of the NA and encouraged its formation and involvement based on previous positive experiences with other NAs.
Michael Dallas adjourned the meeting at 3:15.

Treasurer Duties & Candidates

At the October 7th meeting, it was suggested that we have four board positions instead of three. This is a valid point. Since the treasurer position is part of most organizations, it is a natural fit as the fourth board position. While our association charges no dues, at some point, Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association may have money to work with.

Other neighborhood associations around Fort Worth have asked for special funds from drillers when negotiating contracts. Funding the neighborhood association with money from the drillers strengthens the association without charging the residents dues. For now, the treasurer's duties will simply be a board position (with no monetary responsibilities).

If you would like to run for treasurer of the Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association, please post your name below with any information you wish to share. At the October 21st election, you will have the opportunity to speak before the ballots are cast.

Duties of the treasurer will include:

1. Collect membership dues and keep records of paid members.

2. Maintain custody of all financial records of the association and deposit all such funds in a bank approved by the Executive Board.

3. Pay all bills and distribute funds by check only upon receipt of a bill.

4. Submit a written financial report at each meeting and give a copy to the Secretary.

5. Perform such other duties as requested by the President or Executive Board.

Secretary Duties & Candidates

If you would like to run for secretary of the Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association, please post your name below with any information you wish to share. At the October 21st election, you will have the opportunity to speak before the ballots are cast.

Duties of the secretary will include:

1. Keep minutes of the proceedings of all meetings of the Association.

2. Preserve in file all records of value to the Association.

3. Maintain a current roster of membership indicating the name, address, and telephone number of each member as well as his/her classification of membership.

4. Conduct the correspondence of the Association.

5. Perform such other duties as requested by the President or Executive Board.

Vice-President Duties & Candidates

If you would like to run for vice-president of the Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association, please post your name below with any information you wish to share. At the October 21st election, you will have the opportunity to speak before the ballots are cast.

The duties and responsibilities of the vice-president will include:

1. Serve and assume all responsibilities in the absence of the President.

2. Act as special assistant to the President and represent the President whenever so designated.

3. Perform all such duties as requested by the President or Executive Board.

Presidential Duties & Candidates

If you would like to run for president of the Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association, please post your name below with any information you wish to share. At the October 21st election, you will have the opportunity to speak before the ballots are cast.

The duties and responsibilities of the president will include:

1. Public speaking on behalf of the neighborhood association - when issues arise that involve the association, the president should be willing to speak before the city (e.g. council, committees, etc.) as well as the news media (e.g. newspapers, television, etc.) or any other organizations, groups, or people that affect the neighborhood.

2. Attending and participating in important meetings - There are numerous organizations for which the president must consistenly participate. They include: regular meetings of the Lake Worth Alliance (LWA), city council meetings of interest (when issues concerning the neighborhood are discussed), city committee meetings (e.g. Capital Improvement Implementation Plan (CIIP)), gas lease meetings, etc.

3. Assisting and acting on behalf of members - when neighborhood issues arise that need the association's influence, the president needs to be willing to compose letters and emails as well as initiate phone calls and meetings with authorities.

4. Presiding at all meetings of the Association - The president will oversee the meetings of the neighborhood association and shall vote when necessary to break a tie.

5. Signing with the Treasurer or any other officer authorized by the Executive Board, all checks, contracts, and other legal documents.

6. Appoint committee chairpersons with approval of the Executive Board - when committes are necessary, the President will need to find and appoint people for the committee.

Note: Those who have run neighborhood associations will tell you that it is helpful to have "thick skin" and a diplomatic manner.

Sun 10/21/07 2:00 PM - Adoption & Election

The Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association will have a meeting on Sunday, October 21st in Sunset Park at 2:00 PM. At the meeting, bylaws will be adopted and officers elected. Everyone living in the Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association area is encouraged to attend and vote.

City of Fort Worth Sample Bylaws

BYLAWS OF



ARTICLE I - NAME:

The official name of this organization shall be the Neighborhood Association (NA).


ARTICLE II - BOUNDARIES:

The boundaries of the Association are:

North: South:

East: West:


ARTICLE III - OFFICE:

The Association's principal office and address shall be:









The Executive Board may designate another location at its discretion.


ARTICLE IV - PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Neighborhood Association is to provide an organized framework to promote, preserve, and enhance the quality of life and values in the neighborhood by: (examples)
Ø Encouraging a sense of community and pride among Association members.
Ø Establishing a communication link with the City Council, City Manager's offices, Code Enforcement, Neighborhood Police Officers and other city departments.


ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP:

Ø Regular Membership: A member of NA shall be any person over the age of eighteen that resides within the Association boundaries. In order to vote, a member must be in good standing with the Association and be current on annual dues. Each household has one (1) vote.
Ø Business Membership: A business member of NA shall be any person, firm, or corporation operating a place of business within the Association's boundaries. Non-Residential property owners will be classified as a Business Member and shall have the privilege of the floor, but have no voting privileges and cannot hold office.
Ø Associate Membership: An associate member of NA shall be any person, firm, or corporation who neither resides, owns property, nor operates a place of business within the Association's boundaries, but nevertheless, maintains an interest in the Association and its purposes. Associate members shall have the privilege of the floor, but have no voting privileges and cannot hold office.


ARTICLE VI - DUES:

The annual dues for the Association memberships will be set as follows:

Ø Regular Membership - $ yearly per household

Ø Business Membership - $ yearly per household

Ø Associate Membership - $ yearly per household


ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS:

Ø Regular Meetings: Membership meetings will be held on the (day of week – example: first Wednesday) of each (month, quarter, year, etc.). Meetings may be held more often as determined by the Executive Board.
Ø Special Meetings: Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, by a majority of the Officers elected to conduct the business of the Association, or by a petition containing signatures of at least twenty-five (25) voting members of the Association.
Ø Notice of Meetings: Written notice, identifying the time and place of the meeting, shall be provided to each member of the Association at least 7 days before meetings are to be held. Such notice of meetings may be hand carried, mailed, or emailed.
Ø Quorum: The members present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum.
Ø Open Meetings: All meetings are open to all members.


ARTICLE VIII – EXECUTIVE BOARD:

Ø Section 1: The elected officers shall constitute the Executive Board of the Association.
Ø Section 2: The Executive Board shall supervise the affairs of the Association in accordance with its stated purpose and policies; set the agendas for the regular meetings; transact any business between meetings of the Association and report thereon at the next meeting; and make recommendations to the general membership on matters before the Association.
Ø Section 3: The Executive Board shall meet as required, usually on a monthly basis. These meetings shall be open to any members of the Association.


ARTICLE IX – OFFICERS:

Ø Officers: The officers of NA shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Ø Term: Officers shall assume their duties in (month) and shall serve for year(s) until their successors are duly elected. Officers shall not serve in the same office for more than consecutive terms.
Ø Eligibility: Any member in good standing of NA is eligible for election to office.
Ø Elections: Officers shall be elected at the (month) meeting by a simple majority vote of members present.
Ø Nominations: At the (month) meeting, the Executive Board shall appoint a nominating committee of at least three (3) members. The nominating committee shall present a slate of one or more nominations for each office at the (month) meeting. Nominations from the floor shall be heard at this time also.
Ø Vacancies:
A. In the event the President is unable to complete his/her term, the Vice-President shall become the President for the unexpired portion of the term.
B. For other vacancies in offices other than the President, the Executive Board shall appoint a member to fill the unexpired term with a simple majority vote.
C. Unexcused absences as determined by the Executive Board from consecutive meetings shall constitute a vacancy of office.
Ø Retirement: Upon retirement from office, each officer shall deliver to his/her successor, all records, papers, and other property belonging to the Association.
Ø Removal From Office: At a special meeting of the Members, duly called in accordance with Article VII of these Bylaws, any Officer may be removed from his/her position with just cause by a majority vote of the Members. A successor may then and there be elected to fill the vacancy. Any Officer whose removal has been proposed by the Members shall be given an opportunity to be heard at the meeting prior to the vote for removal.


ARTICLE X – DUTIES OF OFFICERS:

Ø President: The President shall be the principal officer of the Association and shall:
A. Preside at all meetings of the Association.
B. Be the sole spokesperson for the NA. The Executive Board may designate another member to serve in this capacity as necessary.
C. Sign with the Treasurer or any other officer authorized by the Executive Board, all checks, contracts, and other legal documents.
D. Appoint committee chairpersons with approval of the Executive Board.
E. Shall be empowered to vote in meetings of the general membership and the Executive Board only when necessary to break a tie vote.
Ø Vice-President: The Vice President shall:
A. Serve and assume all responsibilities in the absence of the President.
B. Act as special assistant to the President and represent the President whenever so designated.
C. Perform all such duties as requested by the President or Executive Board.
Ø Secretary: The Secretary shall:
A. Keep minutes of the proceedings of all meetings of the Association.
B. Preserve in file all records of value to the Association.
C. Maintain a current roster of membership indicating the name, address, and telephone number of each member as well as his/her classification of membership.
D. Conduct the correspondence of the Association.
E. Perform such other duties as requested by the President or Executive Board.
Ø Treasurer: The Treasurer shall:
A. Collect membership dues and keep records of paid members.
B. Maintain custody of all financial records of the NA and deposit all such funds in a bank approved by the Executive Board.
C. Pay all bills and distribute funds by check only upon receipt of a bill. The Treasurer and the President with the approval of the Executive Board must sign all checks.
D. Submit a written financial report at each meeting and give a copy to the Secretary.
E. Perform such other duties as requested by the President or Executive Board..


ARTICLE XI –POLICIES:

The ___________________________NA shall be non-commercial, nonpartisan and nonsectarian.
2. The name of the Association or names of any members in their official capacities shall not be used in any connection with a commercial concern, or with any partisan interest or for any purpose not appropriately related to the promotion of the objectives of the association.
3. The ___________________________NA shall not directly or indirectly endorse any political candidate or party.


ARTICLE XII – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY:

Procedures at all meetings shall be conducted with due regard to parliamentary practice with Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised serving as the authority on all points not covered specifically by these Bylaws.


ARTICLE XIII – AMENDMENTS:

Amendments to these Bylaws shall be made at any regular or special meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members who are present and in good standing, provided that notice of such meeting contains the proposed amendments(s). Such amendments shall be effective as of the date of enactment.


ARTICLE XIV – DISSOLUTION:

NA may be dissolved with the majority vote of the Executive Board, provided that the disbursement of all monies and properties is acted upon prior to dissolution, and all liabilities and obligations of the corporation must be paid, satisfied, and discharged.



ADOPTED by a majority vote of the membership at the meeting held on the day of , 20 .





President

Bylaws Discussion & Creation

To form the Scenic Shores Neighborhood Association, a set of bylaws needs to be adopted. The bylaws are the rules of the organization. It defines the purpose of the organization and the rules for getting things done. Bylaws are extremely important since they give an organization structure and integrity. Anyone who has much experience with social organizations knows that an organization that doesn't have or doesn't follow its bylaws will simply degenerate into mob rule.

We want everyone in the neighborhood to present their concerns and suggestions about the bylaws. To help establish neighborhood associations, the City of Fort Worth provides a sample set of bylaws. Please view the sample bylaws and post your comments below (or on the sample bylaws page). As suggestions roll in, we will form an edited version of the bylaws and post them here as well. At the October 21st election, we will vote to adopt the edited set of bylaws. We will make every effort to integrate all good ideas into the document. If contentious issues arise, we will vote to either adopt or reject those issues individually.

I encourage everyone who has an interest in the association to participate.

Click here to view the City of Fort Worth's sample bylaws.

Click here to view the current proposed bylaws.