Draft Bylaws of the Friends of Tewksbury Recreation
Article I: Name and Purpose
SECTION 1: NAME
Formal Name of Organization: Friends of Tewksbury Recreation.
Informal name: "Friends" may be used in documents where the reference is unambiguous.
Nickname or initials: FOTR may also be used where the reference is unambiguous.
SECTION 2: PURPOSE
The specific purpose of FOTR is to support and promote community recreational activities and programs, focusing on the development, enhancement, and maintenance of public recreational facilities.
Through community participation and collaboration to advocate for the reopening of the Tewksbury Parks & Recreation Department.
To ensure the preservation, improvement, and expansion of recreational opportunities in Tewksbury.
Article II: Membership
SECTION 1: MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS
Membership is open to all individuals or groups residing within Tewksbury, or
To individuals with an active interest in the stated purposes of FOTR (see Article I, section 2).
An active member is a member who:
a. Has attended at least one of the last two most recent meetings of FOTR,
b. Or is an Officer of FOTR, or
c. Whose absences have been excused by one or more of the Officers.
d. Active members shall have one (1) vote each to be cast during attendance at any FOTR general or special meeting.
An inactive member is a member who:
a. Meets all criteria for membership except the attendance criteria, or who
b. Has communicated to one or more of the Officers that they intend to be inactive.
SECTION 2: MEMBER RESIGNATION
Any member can resign at any time.
Any member whose express interests are opposed to the FOTR purposes listed in Article I, Section 2, will no longer be considered a member and will lose all voting privileges.
Any members who do not adhere to the following rules of behavior may be asked to resign by any officer:
a. Treat each other with respect and courtesy.
b. Do not monopolize meeting time.
c. Do not misrepresent the position or actions of FOTR.
Article III: Meetings
SECTION 1: GENERAL MEETINGS
There shall be a minimum of six (6) meetings annually. Notification for all meetings shall require seven (7) days advance notice via an e-mail list.
SECTION 2: AGENDA
The Chair shall prepare the agenda for general FOTR meetings with input from FOTR membership. Any member may make a motion to add an item to the agenda at the general meetings. Adoption of that motion requires a second and a majority vote of active members in attendance.
SECTION 3: SPECIAL MEETINGS
Special meetings may be called for group activities such as a guest presentation, onsite inspection of a recreational area, or similar special event. No business will be conducted during a special meeting, and normal rules of member participation may be modified as necessary. However, a general meeting may precede or follow a special meeting.
SECTION 4: QUORUM
A quorum must be attended by at least fifty percent of board members for business transactions to take place and motions to pass. To conduct non-voting business or make or receive reports, at least one officer must be present.
SECTION 5: PARTICIPATION
Any member may request an officer to call a special or general meeting.
Any general or special meeting is open to any person. Only active members are entitled to vote.
All actions, decisions, or recommendations, including FOTR reports, shall be communicated to all members via e-mail.
FOTR members are encouraged to participate in FOTR discussion openly.
Communication between FOTR members and others to resolve issues before attending meetings is encouraged.
SECTION 6: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
FOTR meetings are open to the public.
Except in exceptional circumstances, a public comment period for non-members shall be available during each meeting.
The public comment period may only be waived by a vote of members in attendance. The reason for requesting a waiver must:
a. Be clearly articulated,
b. Be clearly documented in the minutes,
c. Be a compelling reason.
Individuals that are disruptive will be asked to leave the meeting.
Non-members can participate within the meeting at the discretion of the conducting officer.
Article IV: Officers and Elections
SECTION 1: REQUIRED OF ALL OFFICERS
All Officers shall be responsible for the following:
Must be eligible to vote, as per Article II.
Attending the majority of general and special meetings.
Providing leadership and continuity for FOTR.
Conducting meetings in an efficient and productive manner.
Preparing an agenda for the meetings they will conduct.
Facilitating communication among FOTR members and between FOTR and others.
Assigning tasks to members, as needed.
Enforcing rules of behavior during meetings.
SECTION 2: OFFICER ROLES
SUBSECTION 2A: OFFICER SEATS AND TERMS
There shall be five officers of FOTR serving in the following roles:
Chair,
Vice-Chair,
Treasurer,
Clerk,
and member.
The designated terms for these seats shall be two-years.
SUBSECTION 2B: OFFICER SEATS
After the first official term is up, the founding members may continue to serve as EMERITUS members of the Board for up to 4 additional years. Should the officer choose to go up for reelection after their first, or subsequent terms, their EMERITUS position shall remain eligible for 2 years.
SECTION 3: ELECTIONS
Elections shall be held at the first general meeting of the calendar year. Officers will be elected by a simple majority of active members present. Each officer will serve a term of one year, starting immediately upon election.
SECTION 4: REMOVAL OF OFFICERS
Any officer may be removed from their position by a two-thirds majority vote of active members present at a general meeting. Grounds for removal include, but are not limited to, the inability to perform duties, misrepresentation of FOTR, or actions that conflict with FOTR’s purposes as stated in Article I, Section 2.
Article V: Committees
SECTION 1: ESTABLISHMENT
Committees may be established by a vote of the membership at any general meeting.
SECTION 2: MEMBERSHIP
Committee members must be active members of FOTR. Each committee shall have a Chair appointed by the officers. Committee Chairs must report on their committee’s progress at each general meeting.
SECTION 3: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Committees shall be responsible for tasks as designated by the FOTR membership or officers. Each committee shall have specific goals and objectives, as outlined at the time of formation.
Article VI: Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of active members present at any general meeting, provided the amendment has been submitted in writing at the previous general meeting and is included in the notice for the current meeting.
