MHCW Bylaws

ARTICLE I:       NAME OF GROUP:

This group shall be known as the Massey Hill Community Watch Group. The boundaries of this Watch will include the following streets:

ARTICLE II:     GOALS:

The Massey Hill Community Watch Group will be a non-partisan, neighborhood and community focused group, committed to build safer, more caring neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for the community. The Watch Group will work together with City Officials to bring change for the betterment of the Massey Hill Community. Specific goals for the Massey Hill Watch will be the elimination of:

• Prostitution
• Drug activity
• Eyesore properties
• Slumlords.

ARTICLE III:  MEMBERSHIP AND DUES:

All residents are welcome to attend the meetings and voice their concerns but membership in the Massey Hill Community Watch Group will consist of responsible individuals within the defined Community, who are willing to perform Watch duties without expecting monetary compensation for their participation. Individuals wishing to join the group must meet the following requirements:

• No criminal record within the past 12 months. (Must be able to provide background check upon request)
• Must first attend three consecutive monthly meetings before being considered for membership.
• Cannot miss an excessive amount of meetings, (5 month limit) must take an active role in meetings. Amended on May 10, 2007.
• Must maintain monthly membership dues.

There will be a simple one-page application form to be filled out by applicant; all information will be kept confidential. Membership is non transferable. All members in good standing shall have one (1) vote per topic and must be present to vote. A member in good standing is a member that actively participates in the Watch Group’s functions and is current in dues. 

Membership Dues:

There will be a membership due of $1.00 per monthly meeting per member with the proceeds going toward the betterment of the community and for paying of any incidentals that may occur on behalf of the group. Examples include; postage, paper, office supplies. Watch Members will vote on any use of funds that have been collected before any disbursement can occur. Funds will be kept in an accredited banking institution under the named Massey Hill Community Watch Group with the President and Treasurer serving as custodians with all Watch Officers listed and serving as back up if needed.

Amendment made on Jan. 11^th, 2007 to allow businesses and churches to join by paying monetary dues not necessarily attendance. These organizations will have no voting rights, just the privilege of helping their community for the betterment of the community. $25.00 a year.

ARTICLE IV:   Watch Officers and Duties of Office:

• The Community Watch will be governed by a Watch Captain (President), elected by the members of the Watch. The President will run the meetings and coordinate information and activities with the Law Enforcement Liaison Officer. The President, along with the Treasurer will serve as custodians to the Watch’s financial resources.
• The Watch will have a Vice President, elected by the members of the Watch. The Vice President will assist the President with running the meetings and filling in for the President when he/she is not able to be present.
• The Secretary, elected by the members of the Watch, will take the minutes/notes of meetings and keep record of what actions need to be taken on proposed goals, and who will perform them. The Secretary will prepare the agendas.
• The Treasurer, elected by the members of the Watch, will keep an accurate account of the group’s resources, financial and otherwise. The Treasurer will serve as custodian of the Watch’s bank account and prepare quarterly financial reports.
• Block Captains, elected by the group, will consist of individuals who will serve as a point of contact for their immediate area and will work with the watch group’s president, law officials and city officials to better serve their neighborhood. In no way shape or form is this person to act on behalf of law enforcement or to take matters into their own hands.

ARTICLE V:      Position Terms & Elections

Position terms will run for one year and elections will be held on the regular monthly meeting scheduled in December with the nominee’s position starting in January. The Watch may have the option of skipping an election as long as it is voted upon and passed by unanimous vote by all members.

ARTICLE VI:     Meetings

The Massey Hill Community Watch Meetings will be held once a month, on the second Tuesday of each month @ 7:00pm at the Massey Hill Neighborhood Resource Center. Members will have the right to hold “Special Called Meetings” at which the group may only discuss the topic of which they are meeting on.

ARTICLE VII:  Amendments

• The Bylaws of the group may be adopted, amended or repealed  by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a regularly scheduled meeting.