Constitution & Bylaws
Article I – Name
The name of this organization shall be Larchmont Edgewater Civic League (the “League”).
Article II – Objective
The objective of the Larchmont Edgewater Civic League shall be to serve as a non-profit organization that seeks to strengthen the community and improve our neighborhood’s quality of life by:
· providing members a means to involve themselves in the civic affairs of the neighborhood;
· providing members with access to information and education related to our neighborhood and the City of Norfolk;
· providing a medium for civil discourse; and
· establishing and maintaining primary and open lines of communication and liaison among the Larchmont Edgewater neighborhood, other Norfolk neighborhoods, and local government agencies and officials.
Article III – Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of this league shall be from January 1 to December 31.
Article IV – Membership
Any Larchmont Edgewater resident 18 years old or older shall be eligible for membership in the League. Dues are welcome and help sponsor neighborhood events or initiatives, but are not compulsory. Any person, regardless of their resident or homeowner status, may be made an Honorary Member by majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Article V – Board of Directors
The direction of the League shall be vested in the Larchmont Edgewater Civic League Board of Directors (the “Board”). The Board shall consist of the elected officers and the immediate past president of the organization.
Article VI – Officers, Committee Chairs & Duties
The elected officers of the League shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Communications, and one or more At-Large officers, with tasks assigned as necessary or as deemed prudent by the majority of the Board. These elected officers shall serve a two-year term and are able to serve consecutive terms, as provided in Article XI (Elections). Committee chairs and members are appointed by the Board as described in Article VIII. Non-elected officers can be appointed by the President or a majority vote of the Board for a specific purpose as defined in their appointment.
Article VII - Removal
The majority of the Board may decide to remove any officer, committee chair, or committee member who exhibits misconduct, neglects to adequately perform their duties, or is absent from three consecutive regular membership meetings in person or virtually. The Board will vote to remove and if necessary appoint a temporary replacement until a regular election can be held during the next December civic league meeting. Furthermore, the majority of the Board may vote to cancel the membership of any League member due to misconduct.
Article VIII – Committees
Each December, the Board shall appoint committee chairs and members for the following year, including:
Parks & Recreation
Public Safety & Traffic
Membership & Community Engagement
Communications
Audit
Special purpose
Committee Chairs shall be appointed for a two-year term and are able to serve consecutive terms. Additional committees may be appointed at the Board’s discretion to serve the needs of the League.
Article IX – Finances
Dues are voluntary. Suggested dues are $10 per household per year, and we welcome any additional donations. Dues may be paid online at: https://larchmontedgewater.org/join. Checks should be made payable to Larchmont Edgewater Civic League or “LECL.” The Treasurer shall receive and account for all dues collected, and disburse the funds as directed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. The Treasurer’s financial records shall be audited annually in January by the League’s Audit Committee consisting of two members appointed by the Board of Directors. The President and Treasurer have signature authority for financial accounts.
Article X – Meetings, Quorum & Website
1. Meetings. Meetings of the League shall be held on the last Monday of each month unless a national holiday or other significant scheduling conflict necessitates rescheduling. The Board may decide at its discretion to change the meeting schedule, call a special meeting, or replace a formal meeting with a social event to be held on the same date, so long as there is a formal civic league meeting every two months. (Note: Meetings will also be live-streamed. Prior to each meeting a link will be emailed to all who are registered to receive the LECL Newsletter. To register: https://larchmontedgewater.org/newsletter.)
2. Quorum. When needed for voting, a League quorum will consist of ten members in person, including at least two officers.
3. Board Meetings. Board meetings may be scheduled when necessary and may include select committees or committee representatives, as necessary.
4. Website. League information, background, updates on league activities, contact information, and other pertinent details can be found on the League’s website: https://larchmontedgewater.org/
Article XI – Elections
Elections will take place in the month of December. Nominations should be presented to the Board by the end of November and are subject to the majority of the Board’s approval. The newly elected officers are considered installed at the conclusion of the meeting in which they were elected. A majority vote of those members who are present or joining virtually is necessary to elect.
Article XII – Voting and Procedure
The League generally operates under Robert’s Rules of Order. Additionally, the Board reserves the right to conduct League surveys in lieu of or in addition to voting when the Board deems that doing so is in the League’s best interest. In all instances, there shall be no voting or survey completion by proxy.
Article XIII – Amendments and Review
The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a majority of the Board present or attending virtually. The Bylaws shall be reviewed and updated as necessary by the Board at least every five years.
Article XIV – Civic League Representation
No member may represent the League in any public manner without prior approval of the Board President.
Effective Date: November 8, 2023. Amended: N/A