Gateford Residents Association Constitution
1. Name:
The Association shall be known as Gateford Residents Association hereafter referred to as GRA or Association
2. Area Served:
The GR Association is constituted to service those house owners and tenants living in the geographical area as outlined in appendix 1, area map which is to be referred to as Ashes Park, Eddison Park , Lady Walk, Kingfisher Walk and Celtic Park .
The GR Association will endeavor to ensure that its committee is made up of residents who represent the whole geographical area of the GRA.
The geographical area may only be amended by a majority of those present and voting at the meeting.
3. Aims & Objectives:
The Aim of the Association will be to hold meetings at frequencies agreed by the General Committee of GRA :
- To progress local projects
- To foster better communications
- To pass on information (Primarily through the GRA Website)
- To campaign for better services
The objectives of the Association shall be:
- To foster a community spirit
- To improve the appearance and amenities of the area served
- To promote social and recreational activities
- To make representation to Government Authorities, Local services (i.e. police, education, utilities etc) and other bodies affecting the life of the area served on issues that concern GRA members.
In order to further its Aims and Objectives, the General Committee may exercise the following powers:
- To raise funds, invite and receive donations, grants and subscriptions
- To buy or lease any goods, services or property and sell or dispose of the same.
- To borrow money, subject to legal consents.
- To employ such staff (who shall not be members of the Committee of GRA) as necessary.
- To do any lawful acts that are necessary to achieve its objectives
4. Membership
Membership of the GR Association shall be open, irrespective of nationality; race, religion, gender, age or sexuality, to all persons living within the areas served, and shall be called full members.
Membership shall end when a member moves out of the designated area.
In the event of gross misconduct, membership can be suspended or ended by a majority vote of the committee.
Racists, sexist or threatening behavior shall be treated as misconduct.
Any Member has the right of appeal to a general meeting before expulsion takes place.
5. Management
The GR Association shall be managed by a General Committee to be elected at the Annual General Meeting
The General Committee shall consist of the following Office holders
- Treasurer
- Communications Officer
And up to twelve (12) other members will form the General Committee.
Only full members of the Association may be appointed to the General Committee.
Officers will normally serve a term of no longer than two years.
A Chairperson will be appointed at the start of each meeting and will be responsible for running the meeting as per the GRA rules, and agenda.
A Secretary will be appointed at the start of each meeting and will be responsible for producing a written record for that meeting.
The committee shall have the power to co-opt members of groups represented in the area onto the committee and its working parties and other sub committees with the aim of furthering representation and joint working. These members will have no voting rights, until the next AGM
Any affiliated group or section sponsored by the committee shall have the right to be represented on the General Committee. These members will have no voting rights.
Quorum – the quorum for any meeting of the General Committee shall be at least Four (4) members. Smaller numbers may call a meeting but it would not constitute a general committee meeting.
6. Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The Committee shall arrange for an AGM for the purpose of receiving Annual report of the Committee and the Audited Statement of Accounts, of accepting the resignations of the committee, of electing a new committee, of making recommendations to the Committee and of voting, whenever necessary, on proposals to amend the constitution and of any issues which should be taken to a general vote.
30 days notice of an AGM to be given, nominations to be made in writing to Secretary 14 days prior to meeting.
7. Special General Meeting
A Special Meeting of the Association, either for the purpose of altering the Constitution or for considering any matter, which the Committee may decide, can be arranged after discussion at a general committee meeting.
They shall call such a meeting at the written request of not less than three members, who give reasons for the request,
At least 14 days notice of Special General Meeting to be given.
8. Rules of Procedure
Meetings of the Committee shall be conducted in accordance with the rules drawn up by the Committee and revised by them when necessary.
9. Finance
All monies raised on or behalf of the Association shall be applied to further the objectives of the Association and for no other purpose.
The Treasurer shall keep proper account of the finances of the Association and shall open a bank account in the name of the Association.
Signatures on cheques must be two from four of the general committee of which one must be the Treasurer, unless he or she is claiming expenses. Appointees are agreed by the Annual General Meeting.
The Treasurer will make a financial report at each meeting of the Association and will prepare annual accounts to present to the AGM .The name of an Auditor, approved by the Committee, will be submitted for approval at every AGM. The approved Auditor shall audit the accounts at least once a year and prior to the AGM
The Assoc will be empowered to raise funds and donations to further the objectives of the association.
10. Alterations to the Constitution
Any alterations to the Constitution shall require the approval of two-thirds majority of those present and voting at the Special General Meeting or the AGM at which it is discussed.
Any Motion for the alteration of the Constitution must be received, via the website, at least twenty-eight days before the meeting at which the motion is to be brought and resolved.
At least fourteen days notice will be given to members that the meeting is taking place.
11. Dissolution
If the Committee by a simple majority decides at any time on any grounds it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Association it shall call a Special meeting of all the members, giving them at least fourteen days notice and stating the terms of the resolution to be proposed at the meeting.
If such a decision shall be confirmed by a simple majority of those present and voting at the meeting, the Committee will have the power to dispose of any assets held by the Association.
Any assets remaining after the satisfaction of any debts or liabilities shall be applied towards charitable purposes for the benefits of the inhabitants of the area served by the association as the committee decides.
This amended constitution was adopted as the Constitution of the Gateford Residents Association at a Public meeting held on Monday 12th May 2008 at Gateford Park School.