By-Laws Proposed Amendments
The President of the New Auchentoroly Terrace Association (ATA) is proposing a set of amendments to For two decades the New Auchentoroly Terrace Association (ATA) By-Laws have served as a strong foundation for our association’s operation. As with all democratic documents, there comes a time for constructive updates. The following amendments to the organization’s By-Laws include inclusion of public health in the ATA objectives, clarification on the membership sign up process, flexibility on the frequency and location of General Membership Meetings, moving the biennial election of officers from the October to September meeting, addition of Land Use to our Standing Committees, updating pronouns to be gender neutral, and minor copy edits. Below is an outline of the proposed By-Laws changes:
Inclusion of public health in the ATA objectives
Article VII – Objectives
- Proposed addition: “k. Advocate for the public health and wellbeing of residents.”
Clarification on the membership sign up process
The current By-Laws define membership requirements, but do not state if residents may sign up others on their behalf. The proposed change enables residents to sign up others in their household, such as family members and housemates.
Article V – Membership
- Current By-Law: “Membership requirements: Persons eligible for Membership in the Corporation must reside within the boundaries of the Corporation as set forth in Articles of Corporation. A voting member is defined as an individual over the age of 18 who meets residence requirements. Member must pay the annual membership dues as set by the Board of Directors and defined herein.”
- Proposed revised By-Law: “Membership requirements: Persons eligible for Membership in the Corporation must reside within the boundaries of the Corporation as set forth in Articles of Corporation. A voting member is defined as an individual over the age of 18 who meets residence requirements. Residents may only sign up for membership for themselves and/or fellow residents of their home address. Members must pay the annual membership dues as set by the Board of Directors and defined herein.”
Flexibility on the frequency and location of General Membership Meetings
The current By-Laws state that General Membership Meetings are held on a monthly basis at Mondawmin Mall. The proposed change allows ATA more flexibility as to how often and where to meet.
Article VII – Meeting, Section 1A
- Current By-Law: “General membership meetings shall be held once monthly on the second Thursday of the month, 7:00 p.m., at the Community Meeting Room at Mondawmin Mall.”
- Proposed revised By-Law: “General membership meetings shall be held at minimum quarterly, and as frequently once monthly on the second Thursday of the month, 7:00 p.m., at a location within a comfortable walking distance for residents.”
Moving the biennial election of officers from October to the September meeting
Should ATA decide to meet on a quarterly basis, as outlined in the previous proposed revision, then the Fall meeting would take place in September. The proposed change moves the election date from October to September to match this schedule.
Article VIII – Election, Section 2
- Current By-Law: “Election. Election of Officers shall be held every two years at the October general membership meeting.”
- Proposed revised By-Law: “Election. Election of Officers shall be held every two years at the September general membership meeting.”
Addition of a Land Use to our Standing Committees
In 2021 ATA established an ad-hoc Lane Use Committee to help revitalize the numerous vacant homes and vacant lots that exist in the neighborhood. In practice, Land Use committees are recognized by the Baltimore City agencies in the course of routine advocacy, zoning, and code enforcement issues. The proposed change establishes the much needed ad-hoc Lane Use Committee as a permanent Standing Committee.
Article IX – Quorum, Section 2
- Proposed addition: “Land Use. Discusses development, zoning, and transportation issues in the neighborhood, and votes to provide letters of support for required variances, permits, and other land use needs for new businesses, development, and streetscapes.”
Updating pronouns to be gender neutral
Historically documents such as the ATA By-Laws have employed binary “his” and “her” gender pronouns. In accordance with evolving cultural norms explicitly embracing non-binary and gender fluid individuals, the proposed change updates all pronouns to gender neutral language.
- Example: Replace “his or her” with “their”.
Minor copy edits
In the course of reviewing the by-laws, minor typographical errors were identified. The proposed revisions correct these typos.
To receive a copy of the ATA By-Laws and all proposed amendments, active ATA member may email auchentorolyterraceassociation@gmail.com.