Pacoima Neighborhood Council

BY-LAWS OF THE

PACOIMA NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

ARTICLE 1

NAME

Section 1. Name . The name of this organization shall be the PACOIMA NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL (PNC).

Section 2. Mission. The PNC, a culturally diverse community seeks to improve the quality of life by promoting participation in city governance and facilitating the delivery of City services and to empower stakeholders through the sharing of information and education. Whereas, Pacoima will ultimately become a greater community.

Section 3. Boundaries . The proposed boundaries of the PNC are as follows:

NORTH: Foothill Blvd. to the boundary of City of San Fernando

NORTHEAST: Foothill Blvd. (west side of the street) between the City of San Fernando boundary and Branford St.

SOUTH: Hansen Dam, located in between Branford St. and Foothill Blvd. forging the Southeast corner.

SOUTHEAST: Branford St. and the perimeter of Hansen Dam.

SOUTHWEST: The Golden State (5) Freeway between Arroyo St. and Branford.

NORTHWEST: Boundary of City of SF and the Pacoima Wash

ARTICLE 2

PURPOSE AND POLICY

Section 1. Purpose . The purposes of the PNC shall be:

• To offer a forum to engage all PACOIMA stakeholders to collaborate and deliberate on matters affecting the community.

• To be an advocate for PACOIMA to government and private agencies upon those issues where there is broad community consensus.

• To develop and implement standards that protect the health, welfare and aesthetic quality of the community.

• To collaborate with other organizations in PACOIMA which want help in accomplishing their objectives or projects, and/or those organizations which the Council desires to support.

Section 2. Policy . The policy of the PNC shall be:

•

• To inform all stakeholders of forthcoming projects.

• To create a forum to enable any individual or group or organization

to speak out on any side of any issue on which the individual or group or organization wants to be heard.

C. To remain non-partisan.

ARTICLE 3

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership . Membership in the PNC is open to anyone who qualifies as a stakeholder in the recognized boundaries of the PNC:

Section 2. Stakeholder . Stakeholder in the PNC is one that works, lives, or owns property or as one who participates in schools, churches and temples, community and non-profit organizations, block clubs, neighborhood and homeowners associations, apartment, condominium and resident associations, school/parent groups, faith based organizations, senior groups and organizations, youth groups and organizations, chambers of commerce, business improvement districts, service organizations, park advisory boards, boys and girls clubs, cultural groups, environmental groups, code watch, neighborhood watch, police advisory board groups, and/or redevelopment action boards)

Section 3. Non-discrimination . The PNC shall not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, financial status, or political affiliation.

ARTICLE 4

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

Section 1. Governing Body. The Governing Body of the organization shall be the Board of Directors ("Board"). The Board is empowered to make decisions on behalf of the PNC.

Section 2. Number and Eligibility . The Board shall consist of 23 voting members and several non-voting advisors. Only those eligible for PNC membership shall be selected to hold a position on the Board.

Section 3. Board Composition. The Board shall represent the major stakeholders of the PNC. The Board shall be comprised of the following Members:

Voting Members

Number

Type of Position

Youth (14-21 years old)

Seniors

Renters

Home/condo Owners

Retail businesses (employees or owners)

Industrial business (employees or owners)

Community Based Organization

Faith Based Organization

School

At Large

Elected

Elected

TOTAL:

Non-Voting Advisors

Advisors may include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Public Works

• Rec.-Parks

• LAFD

• LAPD

• LADOT

• CRA

• CDD

• LAHD

• Planning

• Building & Safety

• Elected Officials

Section 4. Elected Board Members . An election shall be held every two years. The election of board members will occur the last quarter of the year. The elections shall be held by ballot and tallied (and according to other rules established by the stakeholders) at a schedule Election Day open to all stakeholders.

Every stakeholder shall be able to vote once in each stakeholder category.

At the initial elections, the 9 Members who receive the highest votes will serve the three-year terms. The remaining 8 will serve two-year terms. Thereafter all board members will serve a two year term.

Section 5. Voting Requirements. Scheduled elections are open to all stakeholders with a minimum age requirement of 14 years old.

Section 6. Terms . Elected Members shall serve two-year terms (except for the initial Board as noted in Section 4). No person may serve more than two terms on the Board of Directors. That is no person may serve more than four consecutive years on the Board of Directors.

Section 7. Vacancies . If a Board member has 3 unexcused absences in a twelve-month period from any Board meetings this is considered a vacancy. An unexcused absence is one that has not been communicated to the secretary . At the next meeting, following the Board member's third unexcused absence, the Board will declare that a vacancy exists. Vacancies will be open for nominations to all stakeholders in that same category, and elected by a majority vote of the remaining board. The new board member will complete the remaining term of the previous board member .

• If a PNC Board Member or officer is elected to any City Political Office, they must immediately resign from their PNC position.

• Any Board member or officer may resign by submitting a written resignation to the Secretary. In such case, the President shall send a certified letter to the person, stating that he or she is no longer a member of the PNC Board.

Section 8. Removal . Any member of the Board can be removed whenever the best interests of the PNC would be served. No member of the Board shall be removed for any arbitrary, capricious or discriminatory reason.

• Board members are expected to attend all general meetings. Chair and Co-Chair are to attend their committee meetings. If a member of the Board fails to consistently attend those meetings at which he or she is expected, the Board may remove that member and declare a vacant seat. Absence from 3 meetings within the twelve-month period shall be deemed a failure to consistently attend.

• A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board members then in office is required for removal. Such action shall be effective immediately upon the Board vote to remove.

C. A person removed from the Board is ineligible to serve on the Board

• for twenty-four (24) months from the date of removal.

Section 9. Powers, Duties and Function shall include :

• The PNC shall advise the City government or any other level of government on matters concerning the general health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood. These matters could involve but are not limited to, community development, land use, transportation, education, services, public safety and environmental conditions.

• The PNC shall recruit a diverse representation on the Board and each committee shall reflect the diverse interests of its area.

• Provide input on the efficiency and effectiveness of the government's delivery of services.

• Inform the city government of the community's priorities and make recommendations on the city budget.

• Host informational meetings, hold public forums and if possible sponsor educational programs or studies and youth programs.

• Cooperate with other Neighborhood Councils on issues that might be of general concern and interest.

• Participate in the citywide conventions of Neighborhood Councils.

• Develop a system whereby pertinent information transmitted through the City's Early Notification System (ENS) will be made available in a timely manner to every Stakeholder in the PNC.

• Foster a sense of community.

Section 10. Reports . The PNC shall prepare an annual written report on its activities that is to be made available to the Mayor, City Council, DONE and the PNC members. The report shall cover the areas from July 1 through June 30 due on the 1 st week of July.

The PNC report and all of the Council's financial statements, books, and accounts shall be open for inspection and copying by any member of the PNC upon a written request to the Board. The Board shall establish fair and open procedures to permit inspection within a reasonable time.

ARTICLE 5

COMMITTEES

Section 1. Committees . The PNC may designate one or more committees, each of which shall consist of one or more Board member. The designations shall be made by resolution adopted by a majority of the Board Members then in office, provided that a quorum is present. All organizations, businesses, individual residents and stakeholders of Pacoima shall be eligible for voting membership in all committees of the Council. The Committees will meet to discuss programs, make recommendations, and prepare written reports to be submitted to the PNC Board of Directors for consideration.

Section 2. Ad Hoc Committees. The Neighborhood Council may, through a board motion and upon a majority vote, establish Ad Hoc Committee(s) to address issues and topics of a specific nature. The issues and topics to be addressed must be stated in the motion that creates the committee.

Section 3. Standing Committees . The following are standing committees:

Youth Advocacy Committee . The Youth Advocacy Committee gives young people a safe and supportive environment in which they can voice their concerns and begin to address issues that affect their lives. The committee is a vehicle for accessing government policy-makers and other community stakeholders.

Community Safety Committee. The mission of the Community Safety Committee is to identify, monitor and address the Council's public safety issues. In coordination with the Neighborhood Council, members will implement programs and projects that work to enhance the quality of life for those who live and work in the community.

Economic Development Committee. The Economic Development Committee's mission is to increase community participation in the area of the district's economic revitalization and development by reviewing specific projects and advising the Councilmember on matters of development and land-use planning.

Senior Advocacy Committee. The mission of the Senior Advocacy Committee is identifying, monitoring and addressing issues that impact upon seniors' quality of life. The committee is concerned with ensuring that seniors have access to resources and services.

ARTICLE 6

MEETINGS

Section 1. Meetings and Notification . All Neighborhood Council meetings shall be open to the public. All meetings of the Neighborhood Council will be conducted in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act of the State of California

Section 2. Regular Meetings . The Neighborhood Council may hold as many meetings as necessary, but must hold at least 4 meetings each year (once per calendar quarter). There must be at least 72 hours advance written notice to all active members of the PNC and public notice for any general meeting, or meeting where elections will be held. Notice must be posted in a prominent place.

Section 3. Special Meetings . Special Neighborhood Council meetings may be called by the Executive Committee or a majority of the Board. In the case of a special meeting (1 day/ 24-hour telephone) notice will serve as notice.

Section 4. Annual Meetings . An Annual meeting will be held in the month of June each year. The purposes of this meeting shall be to give annual reports on accomplishments of the PNC, and set new goals for the coming year.

Section 5. Procedures . A majority vote of the Board of Directors is required for the Board of the PNC to reconsider an action or vote.

Section 6. Quorum . No formal meeting shall be held or business conducted or votes taken in the absence of a Quorum. A Quorum shall consist of 1/3 of the 23 member Board, excluding any vacant positions.

Section 7. Voting Requirements . A two-thirds majority vote of the Board Members present shall be required to pass motions, which deal with policy matters of the Council. A simple majority of the Board Members present shall be required to pass motions regarding all other matters.

ARTICLE 7

OFFICERS

Section 1. Election of Officers .

• Officers are elected every year. They are elected by the board members at the first board meeting after the board election.

• The Board shall nominate the officers that will make up the Executive Committee from the existing Board members.

• Elected officers shall serve one-year terms. No person may serve more than two consecutive years in any one office.

Section 2. Duties of Officers .

• Duties of President. The President shall prepare agendas and preside at all meetings. The President shall serve as spokesperson and representative of the Board, and receive all communications and present them promptly to the Board. The President shall co-sign checks with the Treasurer. The President could lead a delegation to citywide neighborhood council conventions and serve on the Executive Committee. The President may serve on the board after leaving office, unless precluded by term limits.

• Duties of Vice-President. The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President, serve with the President as spokesperson and representative for the PNC. The Vice-President shall assist the President in deciding what issues or problems may deserve a special meeting and serve on the Executive Committee. The Vice-President may serve on the board after leaving office, unless precluded by term limits.

• Duties of Secretary. The Secretary shall act for the President in the absence of the President and Vice-President. The Secretary shall keep all minutes and records of the Neighborhood Council, and see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provision of these Bylaws and as required by law. The Secretary shall serve on the Executive Committee. The Secretary may serve on the board after leaving office, unless precluded by term limits.

D. Duties of Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be held responsible for all funds belonging to the PNC. The Treasurer shall save, receive and disburse all PNC funds, and give an accounting of the finances at each regular meeting. The Treasurer shall maintain a separate bank account for each grant that the PNC receives and prepare a bank reconciliation for each account every month. For each grant, the Treasurer shall submit an annual accounting statement to DONE not later than 90 days after the close of the reporting period. Each of these statements will describe the use of the grant and include: the amount appropriated, additional receipts, expenditures made, and the ending balance of the grant. The Treasurer shall co-sign checks with the President and deposit all receipts intact. The Treasurer shall act for President in the absence of the President, Vice-President and Secretary. The Treasurer shall serve on the Executive Committee. The Treasurer may serve on the board after leaving office, unless precluded by term limits.

ARTICLE 8

CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

The PNC shall conduct itself in a manner that complies with these by-laws and the Rules and Procedures that are adopted by the PNC Board . The PNC shall abide by all applicable provisions of the City's governmental ethics ordinance and all applicable laws of the federal, state, and local government.

ARTICLE 9

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Section 1. Process . Any person or group adversely affected by the decisions or policy of the PNC may file a written grievance with the Board. The Board shall then refer the matter to the Grievance Committee, which shall have 10 working days to meet with the person submitting a grievance and to discuss ways in which the matter may be resolved. The Committee shall prepare a written report for the Board outlining their recommendations for resolving the grievance. The Board must then address the report at the next regular or special meeting.

Section 2. Appeal . In the event that a grievance cannot be resolved through this grievance process, the matter may be referred to the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment for consideration or dispute resolution in accordance with the Plan.

Section 3. Matters which can be grieved . The formal grievance process is not intended to apply to Stakeholders who simply disagree with a position or action taken by the Board at one of its meetings. Those grievances can be discussed at Board meetings. This grievance process is intended to address matters involving procedural disputes, e.g. the Board's failure to comply with these Bylaws, or its failure to comply with the City's Charter, the Plan, or local, state, or, federal law.

ARTICLE 10

BY-LAW REVIEW AND AMENDMENT

The by-laws may be amended, altered, or repealed by a two-thirds vote at any meeting of the Board of those Board members present, provided that the exact wording of the proposed change(s) is included in the agenda of the required notice of the meeting. Any adjustments or amendments to the by-laws shall comply with the Plan. Moreover, DONE will review any adjustments or amendments to the by-laws. No by-law amendment is final until approved by DONE.

ARTICLE 11

POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

• Neither the PNC nor any member purporting to speak for it shall endorse any candidate for public office or any political party. Membership rosters of the PNC shall not be used for political, commercial, or any other activity not directly related to the PNC.

B. No member should pursue the personal gain through their membership and/ or council activities.

ARTICLE 12

DISSOLUTION OR TERMINATION

Section 1. Distribution of Funds and Assets . All city funds and assets shall be returned to the city in the case of dissolution or termination.