Upon certification, the name of this organization shall be the RESEDA NEGHBORHOOD COUNCIL (RNC), an officially recognized advisory Board hereby part of the Los Angeles Citywide system of Neighborhood Councils.

A. The PURPOSE of the RESEDA NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL is to participate as an advisory body on issues of concern to our neighborhood area, as described in Article IV, and in the governance of the City of Los Angeles.

B. The MISSION is:

(1) To provide an inclusive open forum for public discussion of issues concerning City governance, the needs of the RNC, the delivery of City services to the RNC, and on matters of a City wide nature, and

(2) To advise the City of Los Angeles on issues concerning City governance, the needs of the RNC, the delivery of City services to this RNC, and on matters of a Citywide nature.

(3) To promote public participation in City Governance and decision making processes so that government is more responsive to local needs and requests and so that more opportunities are created to build partnerships with government to address local needs and requests;

(4) To foster a sense of community for all people to express ideas and opinions about their neighborhoods and their government; and

(5) To protect and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods, promote empowerment, and community-pride, encourage youth participation, and to provide a forum to effectively address the issues which affect our communities.

(6) By embracing our heritage and diversity, the Reseda Neighborhood Council is an alliance of caring Stakeholders committed to meeting local needs through public action and dialogue.

C. The POLICY of the RNC shall be:

(1) To respect the dignity and expression of viewpoints of all individual's, groups, and organizations involved in the RNC,

(2) To remain non-partisan and inclusive in our operations including, but not limited to, the election process for governing body and committee members.

(3) To utilize the Early Notification System to inform Stakeholders, and RNC members of matters involving the City of Los Angeles (and our community) in a way that is tailored to provide opportunities for involvement in the decision-making process.

4) To encourage all Community Stakeholders to participate in all activities of the RNC.

(5) To prohibit discrimination against any individual or group in our operations on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, income, or political affiliation.

(6) To have fair, open, and transparent procedures for the conduct of all RNC business.

(7) To guarantee that all meetings will be open and public, and to permit and allow, to the extent feasible, every stakeholder the opportunity to participate in the conduct of business, deliberation(s) and the decision making process.

A Stakeholder is defined as any individual who lives, works, owns a business or owns property or otherwise identifies themselves as a stakeholder in the RNC area, based on their participation in, among other things, educational institutions, religious institutions, social organizations, fraternal organizations, community organizations or other non-profit organizations.

The membership in the RNC shall be diverse, inclusive, and open to all Neighborhood Stakeholders and may not discriminate in any of their policies, recommendations or actions against any individual or group on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, income, or political affiliation.

The RNC area is shown in exhibit ‘A’. It is comprised of an area bounded on the North by Roscoe Boulevard, on the South by Victory Boulevard, on the West by Corbin Avenue and on the East by the White Oak Avenue.

Section 1: Board of Directors: The governing body of the RNC shall consist of a Board of Directors (BOARD) which shall be comprised of fifteen (15) elected stakeholder RNC Representatives, as defined below. All committees, subcommittees and/or ad hoc committees shall be made up of members that are elected, selected, or appointed in a manner to be determined by the Board of Directors. In accordance with the Plan for a Citywide System of Neighborhood Councils (“The Plan”), no single Community Stakeholder group shall comprise a majority of the RNC’s governing body.

Section 2: RNC Representatives: (“Representatives”)
A. Residential Stakeholder Representatives (“RSR”): An RSR shall be any person who lives within the RNC boundaries as defined in Article IV. There shall be four (4) RSR's.
B. Business Stakeholder Representative (“BSR”): A BSR shall be any person who (1) works in (2) owns a business (3) owns business or residential rental property located within the RNC boundaries defined in Article IV. There shall be four (4) BSR's.
C. At-Large Representative (“ASR”): An ASR shall be any person who identifies themselves as a Stakeholder as defined in Article III other than solely as a Residential Stakeholder or a Business Stakeholder including but not limited to any person who owns property or participates in educational institutions, religious institutions, community organizations or other non-profit organizations. An ASR shall be any qualified stakeholder, including one who could become a representative based on membership in the above categories. There shall be seven (7) ASR’s.

Section 3: Election of Representatives

A. Initial Election of Representatives: Within sixty days following certification of the RNC by the City of Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (“DONE”), all fifteen (15) Representatives shall be elected at an Election Day of the RNC. The Election Day date shall be November 21, 2002 with a ballot vote. For each of the fifteen- (15) persons receiving the highest number of votes in the initial election of RSRs, BSRs, and ASRs, those persons shall serve as the Representatives for the initial term. The initial term of office shall begin immediately following certification of election results. The initial term will end October 31, 2003.

B. Outreach. The initial steering committee and Neighborhood Council formation officers shall direct that a system of outreach be instituted to find and obtain nominees for the initial elections to the Board of Directors. The purpose of this mandatory outreach is to put forth a reasonable effort to inform and give every Stakeholder desiring to participate on the Board of Directors an opportunity to become a Board member. After the initial election an outreach committee will be formed and will be responsible for the distribution of information regarding the RNC. The RNC will establish procedures for communicating with all Neighborhood Council community Stakeholders on a regular basis in a manner ensuring that information is disseminated in a timely manner.

C. Election Day: After expiration of the initial term as described in Article 3, section A, elections shall be
held in the same manner every year during the fourth quarter, for at least seven (7) seats on
the Board of Directors, beginning with the 2007 elections.

D. Term of Office: After the initial Elections each Representative shall serve for a term of two (2) years
beginning no later than January of the year following election. Representative will serve until new
Board is seated at the end of their two-year term. In no event shall any Board member serve on the
Board for more than 8 consecutive years.

1. Amendment to Article V, Section 3, D.
In order to effect staggered (overlapping) terms, for the October 27, 2005 Election only, eight (8) Representatives will be elected to two (2) year terms and seven (7) Representatives will be elected to one (1) year terms. The two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes in both the Business and Residential categories, shall serve two (2) year terms. Those candidates receiving the third and fourth highest number of votes in those categories shall serve one (1) year terms. The four (4) candidates receiving the highest number of votes in the At-Large category shall serve two (2) year terms. Those candidates receiving the fifth, sixth & seventh highest number of votes in that category shall serve one (1) year terms.
Those Representatives elected to serve one (1) year terms in the 2005 Elections will vacate their seats on the RNC Board on October 31, 2006. They will remain eligible, however, to declare their candidacy for the vacated Board seats in the 2006 Elections. All Representatives will be expected to serve two (2) year terms of office beginning with the 2006 Elections.From any election in 2006 going forward, on even years 7 candidates will be elected and on odd years 8 candidates will be elected.

E. Age: Membership on the Executive Board shall consist of stakeholders
eighteen (18) years of age and older. Minimum voting age for all
stakeholders in all elections will be eighteen (18) years.

F. Vacancy on the Board: A vacancy on the Board of Directors shall be
filled by the following procedure:

1. Any Stakeholder(s) interested in filling a vacant seat on the Board shall submit a written application(s) to the Secretary.

2. The Secretary shall then ensure that the matter is placed on the agenda for the next regular meeting of the Board.

3. If only one Stakeholder has made application for a vacant seat, then a vote of the Board shall be taken and the applicant installed by majority vote of the Board. If more than one Stakeholder has made application for an empty seat, then an open and fair vote shall be taken by a show of hands at the next regular meeting by all Stakeholders present. The vote shall be presided over by the Board and shall include one vote per Stakeholder.

4. When a vacant seat is filled by the aforementioned process, that seat shall be filled only until the next general election is held to fill all seats on the Board of Directors. In no event shall a vacant seat be filled where the election to fill all seats on the Board of Directors is scheduled to be held within 120 days from the date the applicant (stakeholder proposing to fill the vacancy) tenders a written application to the Secretary.

G. Removal: A RNC Representative shall be removed or replaced for the following reasons:

1. Change or Loss of Stakeholder Status. A RNC Representative who has moved their residence or business from the area or category for which they were elected or no longer participates in an Organizational eligible group (as defined in Article V, Section 2.C.) shall be removed as a RNC Representative.

2. Certification: Once each year all elected representatives shall certify that they remain qualified to retain their elected position.

3. Absences: If a member of the Executive Board shall miss three (3) or more consecutive meetings, or fifty (50%) percent or more of the meetings in any twelve (12) month period, without a valid excuse or the prior approval of the Executive Board members, the seat of such member shall be deemed immediately vacated, after guidance and approval of the office of the City Attorney, at the next Executive meeting. Notification of intent to vacate shall be mailed to the member’s last known address. The Representative shall be given an opportunity to be heard, either orally or in writing as to why his membership should not be vacated.

4. Resignation By Representative: In the case of an Executive Board member’s resignation, removal, or inability to serve, the Chairperson shall declare a vacancy, which shall be advertised via the outreach process. If no stakeholder(s) submit applications for the vacant positions in accordance with Article V, Section 3 (H) the Chairperson may nominate a replacement who shall be seated after approval of a majority of the RNC Representatives voting. The replacement shall serve for the remainder of the term of the office being filled.

5. Candidates for public offices: If any member of an Executive Board shall file as a candidate for election to a public office, the holding of which would be incompatible with Executive Board membership under the provisions of Section 1126 of the Government Code of the State, he/she shall take a leave of absence from the Executive Board. If any member of an Executive Board shall be elected or appointed to any public office, his/her seat as a member of the Executive Board shall become vacant upon the assumption of the other public office, after guidance and approval of the office of the City Attorney.

6. Removal RNC Action: A RNC Representative may be removed by the submission of a written petition, which 1) identifies the Representative to be removed, 2) describes in detail the reason for removal, and 3) includes the signature of at least 100 Stakeholders of the elected Representatives area. The Secretary shall then have the matter placed on the agenda for a hearing by the Board of Directors at the next regular RNC meeting, pursuant to the procedure set forth below.

(1) The Representative shall be given a minimum of thirty (30) days prior notice of the proposed removal and the reasons for the proposed removal. Any notice given by mail shall be sent by first class and registered mail to the Representative's last known address. Notification by electronic mail, and telephone shall also be attempted.

(2) The Representative shall be given an opportunity to be heard, either orally or in writing. The hearing shall be held, or the written statement considered, before the Board of Directors in closed session. The Representative under consideration for removal may call witnesses, present evidence, and be represented by counsel.

3) The Board of Directors shall decide whether or not the Representative should be removed. Any removal of a Representative pursuant to this subsection shall require an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board of Directors present, including the vote of the Representative being considered for removal. If a quorum is not present to take a vote on removal, the matter shall be placed on the agenda for next regular meeting, and every meeting thereafter, until such time as a vote is taken.

Section 1: Officers: The Officers of the Board of Directors (the Officers”) shall consist of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, a Treasurer, a Secretary, a Sergeant at Arms, and a Parliamentarian. These Officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors as provided below, and all must be members of the Board of Directors.

Section 2: Age: All officers shall be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age

Section 3: Election of Officers:
1. Officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors following the election of Representatives. These positions shall be filled by majority vote of the Board at the first meeting following elections.

2. Any person may nominate a Board of Director for the position of Officer. The nominations will remain open the first thirty minutes of the meeting. Self-nominations are acceptable. After nominations close the Board of Directors will vote by a show of hands on each nominee for the respective Officer positions. The votes will be tabulated and a majority winner will be declared. In the case that no one Board of Director receives a majority of the vote for the Officer’s position a runoff will ensue. The Board of Directors with the two highest vote count for the Officer’s position will immediately be voted again for office with the winner being declared by a majority of the vote.

3. If there are more than two candidates for an office and none receives a majority vote on the first election, a run-off election shall be held immediately between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes.

4. No Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson shall serve more than two consecutive two-year terms in that office. No Chairperson shall serve more than 4 consecutive terms in that office. Further, if any Chairperson is elected to office less than a full year, for any reason, then that partial year shall not be calculated into the Chairperson’s limit of 4 consecutive years in that office.

5. In the event of a permanent vacancy in the office of Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall become the Chairperson for the remainder of the Chairperson’s term. In the event of a permanent vacancy in the office of Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer or Secretary, the presiding officer shall nominate a replacement who shall be seated after approval by a majority of the Board of Directors present. The replacement shall serve for the remainder of the term of the office being filled.

Section 4: Responsibilities of Officers:

A. Chairperson: The Chairperson shall be the principal officer of the Neighborhood Council Executive Board and shall be the presiding officer at meetings of the Neighborhood Council Executive Board. The Chairperson shall exercise and perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may assign from time to time or as the Bylaws, Standing rules, or Articles of Incorporation may prescribe. The Chairperson shall have supervision over the business and administrative affairs of the Neighborhood council, and such officer shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Neighborhood council. The Chairperson shall approve all orders directing the disbursement of funds. The Chairperson shall make an annual report covering the business of the Neighborhood Council for the year, and recommendations for the ensuing year, which shall be read at the annual meeting and a copy thereof, forwarded to the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. He shall approve all outgoing official Neighborhood Council correspondence. The Chairperson shall be an ex-officio nonvoting member of all committees and boards.


B. Vice-Chairperson: The Vice-Chairperson shall act as a presiding officer in the absence of the Chairperson and, in case of vacancy in the office of Chairperson, or in the case of the Chairperson's unavailability due to sickness, disability, death or resignation, the Vice-Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and when so acting shall have all the powers and perform such other duties as the Board of Directors or the Bylaws may prescribe. The Vice-Chairperson shall be responsible for the oversight of all committees designated by the Board of Directors. The Vice-Chairperson shall perform all other duties as the Chairperson or the Board of Directors may assign from time to time.

C. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall keep the books and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct books and records of the RNC's transactions. The books and records, including books of accounts, shall be open to inspection by any Representative or Stakeholders of the RNC at all reasonable times. All books of accounts shall be kept in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and in accordance with Article XV of these Bylaws.

D. Secretary: The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the RNC; see that all notices are given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws; be custodian of the RNC's records; perform all other duties as requested by the Chairperson and/or the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall keep the Bylaws and Standing Rules up to date and shall keep an official list of all Representatives, and Committee Members and their terms, and keep a register of the addresses (including electronic address, if applicable) and telephone numbers of each Representative. The Board of Directors shall appoint an Assistant Secretary who shall assist the Secretary with all duties and act in his or her absence.

E Parliamentarian: The Parliamentarian shall ensure that the RNC's meetings follow the Brown Act then Robert’s Rules of Order or such other rules as the Board of Directors adopts (insofar as such rules are not inconsistent with these Bylaws or with the law). The Parliamentarian shall ensure the meetings are undertaken in an expeditious manner and shall be the timekeeper, ensuring that all speakers speak within the required time frames.

F. Sergeant-At-Arms: The Sergeant-At-Arms shall preserve order at all meetings and shall perform such other duties as are usually incident to this office. The Sergeant-At-Arms should not use any physical contact to “preserve order”. It is advisable to summon the Police for assistance if faced with a dangerous situation.

MEETINGS


Section 1: Meetings: Meetings of the Board of Directors will initially meet at 19040 Vanowen Street in Reseda, California, 91335, however, the location for meetings thereafter may change from time to time to serve stakeholder needs. All meeting locations will be noticed on agendas pursuant to the Brown Act.

Section 2: Meeting Procedures: There shall be an Executive Meeting for the purpose of setting the agenda and other procedural matters prior to the General Meeting. All RNC meetings, including Executive Meetings, General Meetings, and Committee meetings, shall be governed by these Bylaws, RNC Standing Rules, and Roberts' Rule of Order or such other rules as the Board of Directors adopts insofar as such rules are not inconsistent with these Bylaws or with the law. All meetings invite public participation. Any person may ask to be recognized and speak at any meeting of the RNC.

Section 3: Brown Act Requirements: The RNC, Board of Directors and Officers shall abide by, and obey any or all applicable sections of the state's Ralph M. Brown Act, and all California statutes relative to public meetings and public records. All meetings, as defined by the Ralph M. Brown Act (the “Act”), shall be noticed and conducted in accordance with the Act. All meetings, as defined by the Act, are open and public, and shall permit to the extent feasible, all Stakeholders to participate in the conduct of business, deliberation and decision-making.

Section 4: Notices: All meetings, as defined by the Act, will be publicized within the RNC boundaries in accordance the Act, local and state law, and with Section 4 of this Article. The notice will specify the time and place at which the meeting will be held, and an agenda containing a brief description of all the items of business to be discussed at the meeting. The notice and agenda may be contained in a single document.

Section 5: Failure to receive: Failure to receive a meeting notice does not invalidate the meeting. However, the provisions of the Act and these Sections must be complied with in good faith.

Section 6: Posting and Mailing Agendas: Notification of all meetings, as defined by the Act, shall be posted at seven (7) public locations designated in the RNC certification application, posted on the DONE and Reseda Neighborhood Council Web sites, and providing media notification via Press Releases, except when a Special Meeting is called, in which case the Agenda will be posted at the above described locations at least 72 hours in advance of the Special Meeting.

Section 7: Agenda: The Executive Board shall establish the agenda for RNC meetings. However, at any regular meeting of the RNC, any stakeholder may request the inclusion of any specific agenda item for future meetings, and upon the concurrence of a majority vote of the members of the Executive Board, such item will be placed on the future agenda as requested.

Section 8: Adding Agenda Items Prohibited: No items may be added to the Agenda once it is posted. No action or discussion shall be undertaken of any item not appearing on the Agenda except in response to comments or questions made during Public Comment(s) in which case such responses shall be brief. RNC representatives, officers, and committee chairpersons will be permitted to make brief announcements or a brief report on his/her activities, or make a request of any City staff or other resource present for factual information or request City staff to report back a subsequent meeting concerning any matter, or take action to have a matter of business placed on a future agenda, or any other action or discussion permitted by the Act.

Section 9: Supplemental rules: All meetings and activities of the RNC shall operate under such further rules, not inconsistent with the provisions of this article, as may be established and adopted by the Executive Board. Board Rules shall be developed and adopted by a majority of the Board at the initial meeting and may be changed or modified by the Board. Other rules for the conduct and decorum of the Board meetings shall be established by the Board of Directors and reflected in Rules for the Conduct of the RNC Meetings.

Section 10: Roberts Rules of Order: Where the Board has not adopted its own rules for conducting its meetings, the Board shall follow Roberts Rules of Order. The Rules of the Board of Directors that have been formally adopted and set forth in writing shall, unless contrary to State or federal law, take precedent where there is a conflict with Roberts Rules of Order. All committee meetings shall be governed by any written rules adopted by the Board of Directors for conduct of meetings, or by Roberts Rules of Order, where no Board rule applies.

Section 11: Special Meetings: A special meeting of the Board of Directors may be called on an emergency basis or on time-sensitive issues by the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, or a majority of the elected Representatives by delivering written notice to each member of the Board of Directors and in accordance with the Act and Section 4 of this Article. Such notice shall be given by mail, but must be postmarked at least three (3) days before the time set for the special meeting. The notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting and the business to be transacted.

Section 12: Adjourned Meetings: All meetings may be adjourned or suspended to another specified time, place and date, but not beyond the next regular meeting. A majority of the Board of Directors present, whether or not constituting a quorum, may adjourn any meeting. A copy of the notice of adjournment shall be conspicuously posted on or near the door of the place where the regular, adjourned regular, special or adjourned time and place meeting was held, within twenty-four (24) hours after the time of adjournment. When a regular or adjourned regular meeting is adjourned as provided herein, the resulting adjourned regular meeting shall be a regular meeting for all purposes. When an order of adjournment of any meeting fails to state the hour at which the adjourned meeting is to be held, it shall be held at the hour specified for the regular meetings.

Section 13: Minutes: (a) The minutes shall be the concern of the Board of Directors until presented to the Board for approval. The Board of Directors may then, by motion, make such corrections as conform to fact. (b) The minutes shall be a clear and concise statement of the action of the Board of Directors, including the motions made and the vote thereon. The reasons for making a motion, the Board debate, and the audience reaction are usually irrelevant and may be included or omitted as the Board may choose. (c) Whenever the Board of Directors acts in a quasi-judicial proceeding, such as zoning or planning hearings, a summary of the testimony of the witnesses shall be completed and included in the minutes. (d) The minutes shall reflect a "no objection" vote as "unanimously carried". Approval of the minutes shall be effected only by a voice vote or a roll call vote. Within a reasonable time following each regular RNC meeting, or as the Board of Directors otherwise directs, minutes of the previous meeting shall be sent by mail, fax or electronic mail to all members of the Board of Directors, DONE, and such others in the community as the Board of Directors directs.

Section 14: Reconsideration: The Board of Directors may reconsider and amend its action on items listed on the agenda if that reconsideration takes place immediately following the original action or at the next regular RNC meeting. The Board of Directors, on either of these two days, shall: (1) Make a Motion for Reconsideration and, if approved, (2) hear the matter and Take an Action. If the motion to reconsider an action is to be scheduled at the next meeting following the original action, then two items shall be placed on the agenda for that meeting: (1) A Motion for Reconsideration on the described matter and (2) a [Proposed] Action should the motion to reconsider be approved. A motion for reconsideration can only be made by a Representative who has previously voted on the prevailing side of the original action taken. If a motion for reconsideration is not made on the date the action was taken, then a Representative on the prevailing side of the action must submit a memorandum to the Secretary identifying the matter to be reconsidered and a brief description of the reason(s) for requesting reconsideration at the next regular meeting. The aforesaid shall all be in compliance with the Brown Act.

Section 15: Official Action. The RNC will need 8 Board Directors present to constitute a quorum. The Board shall take Official Action by a majority vote of the total number Board members. A majority vote on any matter on the Boards’ agenda cannot be made unless there is a quorum present. There shall be no proxy voting.

Section 16: Chairperson Absent: In the event the elected chairperson and vice-chairperson are absent or excused from any scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors, or General Assembly meeting, a majority vote of the seated Board of Directors shall appoint a interim chairperson for the purpose of conducting the meeting.

Section 1: Committees. All RNC committees, subcommittees and/or ad hoc committees shall be made up of Stakeholders that are elected, selected, or appointed in a manner to be determined by the Board of Directors, as the need arises. These Bylaws shall be amended to reflect the institution of any permanent or standing committee(s). All other committees established or disbanded shall be noted in the minutes by the Secretary. The Board of Directors, by motion, may designate or terminate one or more committees and provide for the manner of approving members for each committee. Each committee may include non-elected stakeholders.

Section 2: Term of Office. Each member of a committee, subcommittee and/or ad hoc committee shall continue until a successor is appointed by the RNC of Directors, unless the committee, subcommittee and/or ad hoc committee is terminated, or the member is removed from the committee, subcommittee and/or ad hoc committee pursuant to the same removal procedure as is set forth in Article V, Section 3.G of these Bylaws.



Section 3: Chairperson. The Officers of the RNC Board of Directors shall designate a person to serve as a Chairperson for each committee, subcommittee and/or ad hoc committee.

Section 4: Vacancies. Vacancies on any committee, subcommittee and/or ad hoc committee may be filled by appointment made by the Committee Chairperson with the concurrence of the Officers of the RNC Board of Directors.

Section 5: Standing Committees: The following standing committees are established.

A. Outreach: The Outreach Committee shall be charged with continuing to reach out to Neighborhood Stakeholders utilizing any acceptable and Board approved forms of media. Content of such distribution must be pre-approved by the Board of Directors.
B. Planning and Zoning: Committee shall be charged with maintaining liaison to established and related City Planning and Zoning Department services agencies pertaining to actions of the same agencies occurring within the boundaries of the Reseda Neighborhood Council.
C. Finance Committee: The Finance Committee shall be charged with the administration of the financial policy, preparation of a budget, recommendations, investment recommendations and supervision of disbursing and accounting of all funds.
D. Public Relations: Shall be charged with liaison with local media, including newspapers, magazines, radio, television, internet/world wide web sites and cable broadcasters with upcoming activities, news, accomplishments and matters affecting the council. The Public Relations Committee shall receive input from with the appointed D.O.N.E. liaison, and the Outreach Committee.
E. Grant Proposal: Shall be charged with creating and maintaining relationships with any and all private or public institutions offering grants, donations, or other encumbered monies. The Board of Directors shall maintain direct management of monies or other considerations.
F. Grievance: This committee shall manage all concerns and grievances brought forward by community stakeholders and will have immunity from influence of the board of directors as related to the grievance process. Committee shall ensure prompt and fair resolution to grievances as describe in Article XII of these bylaws.
G. Neighboring Council Liaison: Committee shall establish and maintain relationships with bordering Neighborhood Councils and their appointed like committee members.
H. Disaster and Emergency Services: This Committee is charged with organizing the Council into a cohesive unit so that in times of disaster we are able to cooperate and assist law enforcement and relief agencies. The Committee shall also develop a plan to contact representatives in event of a local emergency. The Committee shall also provide for emergency services training of representatives and interested members of the local community.
I. Community Safety: Committee shall form liaisons with appropriate private and public agencies to enhance community safety. Specifics of approved actions will be mandated by the Board of Directors.
J. Youth Advocacy: Committee shall form liaisons with appropriate private and public agencies to promote Youth Advocacy within the community. Specifics of approved actions will be mandated by the Board of Directors.
K. Economic Development: Committee shall be charged with maintaining liaison to established and related City services agencies pertaining to actions of the same agencies occurring within the boundaries of the Reseda Neighborhood Council. Specifics of approved actions will be mandated by the Board of Directors.
L. Senior Advocacy: Committee shall form liaisons with appropriate private and public agencies to enhance Senior involvement in community affairs. Specifics of approved actions will be mandated by the Board of Directors.
M. Constitution and By-laws: Review and recommend additions, modifications and revisions to comply with required changes of city, state and federal law and/or regulations.
N. Audit Committee: The Neighborhood Council shall keep books of account and shall cause said books to be examined by a licensed Accountant or a committee of three (3) competent representatives, none of who shall be a elected officer or, or any other person charged with the responsibility of handling Neighborhood Council funds. Such examination shall for a period of the immediate preceding fiscal year, said fiscal year to be determined by the Council.

Section 1: Quorum. Refer to Article VII section 15

Section 2: Voting. After a quorum has been established, an affirmative vote of the majority of the Board of Directors voting shall be required to pass motions which deal with policy matters of the RNC and to pass motions of an administrative nature (e.g., approval of minutes and motions to adjourn).

A: The presiding officer may vote on all motions.

B: Voting by proxy shall not be allowed.

Section 1: Amendments: Proposed Amendments, changes, additions and/or deletions to these Bylaws may be proposed by the Board of Director officer, representative or any Stakeholder(s) during the public comment period of a regular RNC meeting.

Section 2: Written: The proposal to amend these Bylaws, however, must then be formalized in writing and filed with Chairman of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, who will review the proposed amendment or change, and recommend action to the Board of Directors at the next Board meeting.

Section 3: Agenda Listing: The Secretary shall place the proposed amendment on the next two consecutive agendas for public discussion during RNC meetings.

Section 4: Action by Board: After comments during under the public discussion session of Board meetings, the Board may consider the proposed amendment, refer back to committee, or request City Attorney review prior to voting.

Section 5: Majority vote: A recommendation for amendment, change(s), addition(s) and/or deletion(s) of these Bylaws requires an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Board of Directors voting. Thereafter, and within 14 days after a vote recommending amendment, change(s), addition(s) and/or deletion(s) to the Bylaws, a Notice of Proposed Adjustment of Bylaws shall be submitted to the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment along with a copy of the existing Bylaws for review and approval by the Department all in accordance with Article V (3) of the Plan.

Section 1: Laws: All RNC Representatives, Officers, and any others within the scope of the applicable law, shall abide by all Federal, State and Local laws, including the City’s Ethics laws, as a minimum ethical standard.

Section 2: Pledge: The RNC shall adopt as Standing Rules both a pledge and methodology for RNC representatives, officers, and other affected persons, regarding obeying the law and achieving high standards of conduct including, but not limited to, fair and open procedures for conducting business and financial accountability of RNC funds.

Section 1: Eligibility to Grieve. Any person or group who objects to a decision or policy or believes they are adversely affected by a decision or policy of the RNC may file a complaint in writing with the Chairperson of the RNC or with the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (D.O.N.E.). The RNC representatives shall resolve the complaint or take appropriate action and advise the complainant of the outcome. This formal grievance process is not intended to apply to Stakeholders who simply disagree with a position or action taken by the Board of Directors. Those grievances can be aired at RNC meetings. This grievance process is intended to address matters involving procedural disputes, (e.g., the Board of Directors’ failure to comply with Board of Directors Rules or these Bylaws) or its failure to comply with the City’s Charter, the Plan, local ordinances (and amendments) and/or State and federal law.

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


Section 2: Complaint Receipt. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of the complaint, the Officers of the RNC shall arrange with the petitioner for a mutually acceptable place, day and hour for a review of the complaint, and will, in writing, within ninety (90) days, recommend a resolution of the grievance to the Board of Directors.

Section 3: Final Resolution. The Board of Directors shall attempt to resolve the complaint and shall submit a report of their recommendation and/or action to the complainant, and RNC membership. If the Board of Directors and petitioner cannot reach agreement, final resolution of the complaint shall be by vote of the majority of the membership at a general or special meeting within one hundred eighty (180) days of receipt of complaint. Parties involved are encouraged to request mediation assistance from D.O.N.E.

Section 1: Maintenance and Inspection of Articles and Bylaws. The principal office for the RNC shall be: 19040 Vanowen Street in Reseda, California. The RNC shall keep at its principal executive office the original or a copy of the Articles of Incorporation and bylaws as amended to date, which shall be open to inspection by any person at all reasonable times during office hours.

Section 2: Maintenance and Inspection of Other Corporate Records. The accounting books, records, and minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors and any committee, subcommittee and/or ad hoc committee of the RNC shall be kept at such place or places designated by the Officers of the RNC, or, in the absence of such designation, at the principal executive office of the RNC. The minutes shall be kept in written or typed form, and the accounting books and records shall be kept either in written or typed form or in any other form capable of being converted into written, typed or printed form.

Section 3. Inspection by Members. With the exception of those records exempt from disclosure by express provisions of law, including the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.), every person shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, and documents of every kind and the physical properties of the RNC.

Section 4. Annual Report: The Board of Directors shall provide to the RNC within 90 days after the close of its fiscal year, a report containing the following information in reasonable detail:

A: The assets and liabilities, including the trust funds, of the RNC fiscal year; as of the end of the fiscal year;

B: The principal changes in assets and liabilities, including trust funds, during the fiscal year.

C: The revenue or receipts of the RNC, for both general and restricted purposes, for the fiscal year;

D: The expenses and disbursements of the RNC, for, both unrestricted and restricted to particular purposes during the fiscal year.

Section 1: The Treasurer of the RNC shall have charge of all finances and see
that they are safely deposited in some local bank or banks and shall report once a
month to the Board of Directors the condition of the finances of the RNC.
The Treasurer shall disburse and sign all checks disbursing the moneys of the
Neighborhood council and shall maintain the financial accounts, books and other such
records of the Neighborhood council. All checks will have two (2)-authorized
signatures prior to being disbursed. Individuals authorized to countersign checks will
be designated by the Board of Directors.

Section 2: No appropriations shall be made without first referring the same to the Finance
Committee for a report therefrom. All allocations of funds will be directed in written
form to the Treasurer by the Chairperson or Board of Directors. The Treasurer will be
charged with the overall administration of the financial policy, preparation of budget
recommendations, preparation of investment recommendations and supervision of
receiving, disbursing and accounting of all RNC funds.

Section 3: The Finance Committee (consisting of two (2) appointed members and the elected
Treasurer), those non elected members being appointed by the Chairperson and
approved by the Board of Directors, shall assist the Chairperson, Board of Directors
and Financial Officer in the administration of the financial policy and oversight,
disbursing and accounting of Neighborhood council funds as applicable.

Section 4: Should advance funds be required, the Board of Directors shall request funds,
covered by proper written voucher, be established and approved. Each event
promoted by the Board of Directors shall be considered a separate transaction and
all bills, statements, invoices, unused advance funds and proceeds of the event shall
be returned, within fourteen (14) days after the event, to the RNC Treasurer.

Section 5: A budget shall be submitted on an annual basis by the Chairperson to the Board of
Directors at the December Board of Directors meeting. The budget will cover the
period from January first (1st) through December thirty-first (31st) of each year.

Section 6: The Board of Directors shall provide for the establishment of such funds and accounts
as are necessary or convenient for the transaction of the Neighborhood Council
Board’s business and activities, and for the designation of the persons authorized to
disburse moneys from any fund or account.

Section 7: All moneys of the RNC from whatever source derived shall,
except as otherwise provided in any grant or other agreement relating to such funds,
be deposited into a fund or account in the name of the RNC.

Section 8: No disbursement of moneys of the RNC shall be made for
any purpose other than a purpose authorized by the Board of Directors.

Section 9: Appropriations of moneys of the RNC shall be made by a duly adopted resolution of
the Board of Directors, stating the amount to be expended or disbursed (which may
be expressed as a “not to exceed” amount) and the payee. The Board of Directors
may give authority to authorize persons to make nominal disbursements from the fund
in an amount not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00) without the necessity of a
Board of Directors resolution.

Section 10: The Treasurer shall open and maintain separate bank accounts for all Funds or
Grants received from any sources.


Section 11: The Treasurer is required to submit separate accounting statements regardless of
whether the funds are received from the City or not.

In addition, the Treasurer shall be responsible for ensuring the following:

Bank Reconciliation: Each fund or account will be reconciled monthly with bank statements.

Bookkeeping: The Treasurer will set up and maintain an appropriate bookkeeping system for the RNC. Documents to be used for purposes of accounting and financial control may be reviewed by the Chief Accounting Employee of Department of Neighborhood Empowerment.

Books of Accounts: The Treasurer shall keep the books of accounts of the RNC. The books of accounts will, at a minimum, consist of Cash Receipts and Disbursements Ledgers which will show the beginning cash balance, the kinds and amounts of expenses paid from day to day, and the running balance of each fund. Each type of fund will be duly accounted for under separate ledgers.

Disbursements: All disbursements should be approved by the Officers of the RNC. All disbursements shall be paid by check. Checks drawn shall be signed by the Chairperson of the Officers and countersigned by the Treasurer of the RNC.

Petty Cash Fund: The Treasurer or Authorized Person may create and should be the custodian of a Petty Cash Fund, to be initially established in an amount to be determined by the Officers of the RNC. A Petty Cash Voucher approved by the Officers of the RNC should support all disbursements from the Petty Cash Fund.

Receipts: All receipts of funds, grants or donations should be deposited intact into their respective bank accounts.

Financial Reporting: The Treasurer shall prepare and submit the accounting statements of the RNC to Department of Neighborhood Empowerment at least once per year. Such accounting statements will serve as one component of the compliance review process, which will be performed annually by Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. In addition, if the RNC receives grant funding or other funds from the City, the Treasurer shall submit separate accounting statements describing the use of such funds, in a format and at intervals to be prescribed by Department of Neighborhood Empowerment or other appropriate City agency or department. The books and records will be kept in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles commonly referred to as GAAP. The Treasurer of the of the RNC will ensure that the financial reports shall include information regarding the amount appropriated (or the beginning balance for the subject quarter), additional receipts for the subject quarter, if any, the expenses paid during the reporting period, and the ending balance of the funds. Financial reports shall be received by Department of Neighborhood Empowerment not later than 90 days after the close of the reporting period.

A. AREA shall mean the geographic area, as set forth in ARTICLE V.

B. BOARD of DIRECTORS shall mean a Governing Body within the meaning of that term as set forth in the Plan for a Citywide System of RNCs (Plan) also to be known herein as the Board of Directors.

C. BOARD MEETING shall mean a gathering of the elected body of the RNC.

D. CHAIR shall mean the Chairperson, Chairman, President or presiding officer of the Board of Directors.


E. COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER or STAKEHOLDER shall mean any individual who lives, works, owns property or owns a business in this RNC area.

F. MEMBERSHIP is synonymous with COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER.

G. MISSION shall mean a statement defining the goals of the RESEDA NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL.

H. OFFICIAL ACTION shall mean a position taken by the BOARD with respect to an item on its agenda, which becomes the official or representative voice on said item for RNC.

I. OUTREACH shall mean the method of contacting members of the defined community base in order to achieve the greatest diverse participation.

J. RNC shall mean Reseda Neighborhood Council

K. SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS or SECRETARY shall mean a person select by, appointed by the Board, or elected at a general assembly meeting to keep minutes of all Board meetings.

L. TREASURER shall mean a member of the Board of Directors also charged with the responsibility of establishing an accounting system for the Board, maintaining the records of the Boards finances and book of accounts, and preparing any financial reports for the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment pursuant to the Plan for a Citywide System of Neighborhood Boards.

M. VICE CHAIR shall mean Vice-President or second in charge behind the Chair at meetings of the Board of Directors.