October 23, 1998

Article I - Name

The name of the organization shall be the McDoel Gardens Neighborhood Association.

Article II - Purpose

The purpose of the Association shall be:
A. To promote the welfare of the residents of the Area.
B. To maintain and improve the integrity and dignity of the Area.
C. To preserve the residential quality of the Area.
D. To encourage homeowners and owners of rental properties and businesses to maintain and improve the real estate in the Area.
E. To promote orderly and compatible land use in the Area
F. To work together on problems and issues of common concern.
G. To provide a voice for the members of the Association.
H. The Association shall not undertake any policy or action that would encourage discrimination (on the basis of race, sex, creed, ethnicity, or sexual orientation) in housing.

Article III - Membership

A. Membership in the Association shall be restricted to adults residing in Bloomington, Indiana and within the following area bounded as follows:
ON THE NORTH: First Street
ON THE SOUTH: The Indiana Railroad Line tracks immediately South of Hillside Drive
ON THE EAST: CSX Railroad tracks and Morton Street
ON THE WEST: Patterson Drive, excluding Maple Court; and Rogers Street between Patterson Drive and the South boundary.

* Provided, however, that any adult person residing in a contiguous area or owning property within, but not residing within the boundaries of the Association may become a member by approval of the Executive Committee.

B. Any duly qualified member shall have the right to vote at regular meetings of the Association or at any special meeting.

C. The Association shall have the right to assess dues for the support of the Association. Dues shall be voluntary and assessed at $5.00 per year for each member. Voluntary supplemental contributions shall be welcomed and accepted.

Article IV - Meetings

A. Regular meetings shall be held every 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings will normally be held in the McDoel Baptist Church located at 1008 South Rogers St. in Bloomington, Indiana.

B. Special meetings of the Association shall be held at such time and place as the Executive Committee may select. Five (5) Association members in good standing may also call a special meeting.

C. No business shall be transacted at any special meeting unless a description of such business is included in a written notice to each Association member at least ten (10) days in advance, stating the purpose and location of the meeting , its date and time, and the names of those persons calling for the meeting. Only the business described in the notice to members shall be conducted at the special meeting.

D. Ten members present shall constitute a voting quorum at any regular or special meeting.

E. Each member may cast one vote for each proposal under consideration at an Association meeting.

F. A vote may be cast by proxy when an Association member is unable to attend a meeting in person. The absent member may deliver a typed or written, hand-signed, note to a member of the Executive Committee at the beginning of a meeting. The note shall present their voting preference on issues to be decided during that meeting, or shall designate another member who may vote during the meeting for them.

G. A simple majority of 51% (or more) of the votes cast shall amend the Constitution and incorporate proposals into the Association by-laws, or shall elect nominees to office.

H. Each Committee shall present a report of its recent activity at each regular meeting of the Association.

Article V - Standing Committees

A. The Executive Committee

1. Shall consist of 5 Association members.
2. Three (3) of its members present shall constitute a quorum.
3. A simple majority of 51% (or more) of votes cast by its members shall pass any item on its agenda.
4. Shall be elected at the August meeting and shall serve a term of 2 years.
5. Shall exercise all the powers given it by the Association, Constitution, and by-laws.
6. Shall coordinate and administer the objectives of the Association.
7. Shall recommend and submit new policies and changes in the Constitution and its by-laws for approval by the membership.
8. Shall appoint a chairperson from the Executive Committee to act as spokesperson for general or special meetings.
9. Shall appoint a Secretary who shall record votes and keep meeting minutes, and keep all pertinent, permanent communications.
10. Shall appoint a Treasurer who shall deposit funds in the name of the Association, keep financial records, and disburse funds.
11. Shall appoint committees on an as-needed basis to work on special projects. Volunteers will be solicited at general or special meetings.
12. Shall conduct all business of the Association and direct the Treasurer to disburse funds.
13. May grant membership to persons residing outside the Association boundaries.

B. The Communications Committee

1. Shall consist of at least 3 members.
2. Shall be appointed by the Executive Committee.
3. Shall publish and distribute the Neighborhood Association Newsletter.
4. Shall verify and maintain the Association's membership roll and maintain records of Association officers and committee members.
5. Shall contact members on matters of importance relative to the Association.
6. Shall notify all members of upcoming meetings and events.

C. The Safety Committee

1. Shall consist of at least 3 members.
2. Shall be appointed by the Executive Committee.
3. Shall coordinate and submit new policies concerning the safety and well being of Association members to the Executive Committee.
4. Shall develop and maintain programs with City agencies to improve safety within the association boundaries.
5. Shall develop and administer the Neighborhood Watch program.

D. The Grants Committee

1. Shall consist of at least 3 members.
2. Shall be appointed by the Executive Committee.
3. Shall develop ideas and create proposals for grants that will benefit the Association.
4. Shall coordinate and submit new proposals to obtain grants for the Association.
5. Shall coordinate with appropriate contractors or agencies to perform any construction resulting from successful grant awards.

Article VI - Amendments

A. This Constitution and its by-laws may be amended at any regular or special meeting.

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