Bylaws

ARTICLE 1. NAME AND OFFICE

The name of the organization shall be “Wilshire Center-Koreatown Neighborhood Council.” And, it is hereinafter referred to as “WCKNC.” The principal office shall in the boundaries of WCKNC in the City of Los Angeles. WCKNC was duly certified by the City of Los Angeles on August 5, 2003, as an independent, self governing, and self directed, non-profit Los Angeles City organization. WCKNC’s operating budget is supported by the City of Los Angeles. Its operations are guided by the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE).

ARTICLE 2. BOUNDARIES

The boundaries of the WCKNC shall be as follows:

North:	Melrose Avenue and Highway 101 (between Wilton and Vermont) 6th Street (between Vermont and Hoover/La Fayette Park)
South:	Olympic Blvd (between Wilton Place and Western Avenue) 11th Street (between Western Avenue and Normandie Avenue) Olympic Blvd (between Normandie and Vermont) 7th Street (between Vermont Avenue and Hoover Street/Lafayette Park Place)
West:	One-half of block or at the alley west of Western Avenue between Melrose and 11th Street .Wilton between 6th and 7th Streets
East:	Vermont Avenue (between Highway 101 and 6th Street) LaFayette Park Place (between 6th Street and Sunset Place) Vermont Avenue (between 7th Street and Olympic Blvd) Elden (between 7th Street and Sunset Place) Normandie Avenue (between Olympic Blvd and 11th Street)

ARTICLE 3. MISSION & PURPOSE

a). Mission:

The mission of the WCKNC is to ensure effective stakeholder participation and interaction in all aspects of decision-making and problem solving processes in issues that affect the community.

The intent of the WCKNC is to represent the diversity of our area and that our positions represent the diversity of our Stakeholders while acknowledging the will of majority, the Stakeholder groups.

b). Purpose:

To foster and encourage the principles of Participatory Democracy in the formation of policies and recommendations made to all levels of government regarding issues as they related to our community. This mean one person, one vote in order to elect a representative body of individuals to form the Neighborhood Council

To be a forum for the discussion and review of issues of concern and projects pertaining to Wilshire Center Koreatown

To work with other Los Angeles neighborhood councils throughout the city

To engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders for collaboration and deliberation on matters affecting the WCKNC community; to provide means for neighborhood stakeholders to express their collective will to municipal decision-makers in reference to any and all issues involving the community, and to provide the WCKNC Board’s interpretation and input regarding developing planning, projects, City budgeting, and zoning matters within WCKNC boundaries

To promote greater awareness and utilization of city services available to WCKNC Community Stakeholders through the Early Notification System made available by the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE)

To provide a communication and coordination role for the various volunteer organizations, business and other associations within the community while respecting the authority of all individuals, groups, and organization within the community

To provide administrative support to the members of the WCKT community seeking to increase their participation in neighborhood council system

ARTICLE 4. STAKEHOLDERS

Neighborhood Council membership is open to all Stakeholders. Stakeholders are defined as individuals who live, work, own property in the neighborhood and also to those who declare a stake in the neighborhood and affirm the factual basis for it.

ARTICLE 5. BOARD MEMBERS

Any Stakeholder or Representative who has been elected by the Stakeholders is authorized to serve as a Board Member of the Wilshire Center Koreatown Neighborhood Council.

a). Rights of Members

The Board members have right to initiate discussion regarding a policy, or position and to inform the WCKNC Board of issues of concern to the community during the public comment Period as stipulated in Article 12 Definition and Compliance with General Rules. To make use of initiative, referendum, recall, and grievance procedures outlined in Article 12 Definition and Compliance with General Rules. To Participate and provide feedback at all meetings of the WCKNC, Executive Committee or Board of Directors. To vote and elect the Board of Directors as specified as article 3 Purpose.

b.) Terms of the Board Members

Regular terms of the office for the Board Members will be for a period of two (2) years commencing from the date of the “Swearing-in Ceremony” conducted by the local City Councilmember of District # 4 or # 10. No Board Member shall serve more than 6 consecutive years.

No person may serve more than three consecutive two-year terms in any office or as a Member of the Board.

During their term, each Board Member must maintain the status upon which they were elected to the Board.

The Members of the Board shall participate in or initiate discussion regarding policies or issues brought to the General Board Meetings.

The Members of the Board shall participate in and provide feedback at all meetings of the WCKNC.

The Members of the Board shall participate on at least one standing committee.

ARTICLE 6. GENERAL BOARD (GOVERNING BODY)

All stakeholders shall have the ability to participate on WCKNC Board by having the ability to be seated as a board member and vote. The Board must, to the extent possible, reflect the ethnic and industry diversity of the Neighborhood Council’s Stakeholders. Accordingly, no single stakeholder group shall comprise a majority of the Neighborhood Council’s governing body, unless extenuating circumstances are warranted and approved by DONE. The General Board of the WCKNC, is comprised of Twenty Five (25) Elected Board Members. And the Board consists of three (6) Stakeholder Classifications as follows:

	7 seats:	Resident Representative
	7 seats:	Community Organization Representative
	7 seats:	Business Representative
	2 seats:	Latino Representative
	1 seats:	Young Adult Representative
	1 seats:	At-Large Representative

a). Resident Representatives

Any Stakeholder at an age of 18 or older, who lives in the WCKNC Community, may submit an application to the Office of City Clerk, Election Division to become an elected Board Member of the WCKNC as a Resident Representative.

All candidates for Residential Representative seats on the Board must be both a resident of and te of one of five (5) sub-districts (hereinafter referred to as “SDs”), or be a candidate for the at- large residential representative seat. SDs will ensure the most participation by the greatest number of Community Stakeholders.

For the purposes of these Bylaws, the boundaries of each SD are generally defined to be:

	Sub-District 1 (1 Board Seats): Alley west of Western, Melrose, 101, Vermont, and Beverly
	Sub-District 2 (1 Board Seats): Alley west of Western, Beverly, Vermont, 3rd, Normandie, and 4th
	Sub-District 3 (1 Board Seats): Alley west of Western, 4, Normandie, 3, Vermont, 6, Lafayette Park, Wilshire, Normandie, and 6th
	Sub-District 4 (2 Board Seats): Wilton, 6th, Normandie, Wilshire, Lafayette Park, Hoover, Sunset Place, Wilshire Place, 7th, Vermont, James M. Wood, Berendo, 8th, Serrano, and James M. Wood and alley west of Western
	Sub-District 5 (2 Board Seats):th Alley west of Western, James M. Wood, Serrano, 8, Berendo, James M. Wood, Vermont, Olympic, Normandie and 11th

b). Community Organization Representative

Any Stakeholder, 18 years or older, who serves in the community service organization (i.e. a nonprofit organization, school/parent group, social service agency, arts/cultural group, youth program, senior program, health care provider, environmental group, community group, or political group operating within and with a mailing address within the boundaries of WCKNC), may submit an application to the Office of City Clerk, Election Division to become an elected Board Member of the WCKNC as a Community Representative.

c). Business Representative

Any Stakeholder, 18 years or older, who is employed by any business operating in the community, may submit an application to the Office of City Clerk, Election Division to become an elected Board Member of the WCKNC as a Business Representative.

d). Latino Representative

Any Latino Stakeholder at an age of 18 or older, who lives in the WCKNC Community, or who is employed by any business operating in the community, or who serves in the community service organization (i.e. a nonprofit organization) may submit an application to the Office of City Clerk, Election Division to become an elected Board Member of the WCKNC as a Latino Representative. The Election Committee shall determine a candidate’s eligibility to run for particular seat.

e). Young Adult Representative

Any Stakeholder, between the ages of 18 to 24 years old, at the time of election may submit an application to the Office of City Clerk, Election Division. Such seat is generally for a College Student who lives, or serves within the boundaries of WCKNC.

f). At-Large Residential Representative:

Any Stakeholder who lives within the boundaries of WCKNC district may run for particular seat.

Non-discrimination Policy:

The WCKNC encourages all community stakeholders to participate in its activities and will not discriminate in any of its policies, recommendations or actions against any individual or group on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, income, or political affiliation. The WCKNC will have fair, open, and transparent procedures for the conduct of neighborhood council business.

ARTICLE 7. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The President shall be elected in every 2 years at the first General Board Meeting following the City Clerk conducted election, subject to a majority vote of the Board at public meeting. The President’s terms of office shall be two (2) years, and shall not serve more than six (6) consecutive years in the same office.

The seats for the all other executive officers, Executive Vice President, Vice President, Treasurer, y, and two (2) Executive Board Members shall be appointed by the Board with a majority vote at the second general board meeting following the appointment of the President at the first General Board Meeting. The executive Officers’ terms shall be two (2) years, and shall not serve more than six (6) consecutive years in the same office.

All Executive Officers shall serve on at least one Standing Committee as a Chair, and other Committees as required. All other Board Members shall participate in at least one committee.

a). President:

The President shall mean the Chair or presiding officer of all General Board and Executive Committee meetings. S/he shall communicate with other neighborhood councils in Los Angeles and countersign, along with the Treasurer, for all WCKNC approved disbursements of funds. The President also chairs the Executive Committee.

b). Executive Vice President:

The Executive Vice President shall serve as the presiding officer in the absence of the President for any General Board and Executive Committee meetings. The Executive Vice President shall also be the Chair of the Government Relations Committee.

c). Vice President:

The Vice President shall serve as the presiding officer in the absence of the President or Executive Vice President for any General Board and Executive Committee meetings. The Vice President shall be the Chair of the Outreach/Communications Committee.

d). Treasurer:

The Treasurer shall mean a member of the Board Members who will chair the Budget, Finance, and Fundraising Committee. S/he will be charged with the responsibility of establishing an accounting system for the Council, maintaining the records of the Council’s finances and account books, maintaining financial accountability, reporting financial information at Board meetings, and preparing all financial reports for the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment pursuant to the Plan for a Citywide System of WILSHIRE CENTER-KOREATOWN NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL BYLAWS Revised by WCKNC on October 6, 2008 Neighborhood Councils. Further, s/he will co-sign, along with the President, all checks for disbursement of funds. The Treasurer shall be the Chair of Finance Committee.

e). Secretary:

The Secretary shall mean a member of the Board Members who records minutes of all General Board and Executive Committee meetings. S/he will post the minutes to the Council’s website and other public locations no later than seven (7) days after the meetings have taken place. S/he will make the minutes available prior to the next meeting as well as maintain public The Secretary shall serve as a Chair of the Rules & Election Committee.

ARTICLE 8. COMMITTEES

a). Executive Committee: Chaired by the President.

The Committee consists of the President, Executive Vice President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two (2) Executive Board Members.

The Committee sets agendas for Executive Committee and WCKNC board meetings, as well as establishes Ad Hoc and other Committees as needed. The Committee acts as the administrative body of the WCKNC and recommends actions to the full WCKNC Board.

b). Rules and Elections Committee: Chaired by the Secretary.

The Committee organizes and assists with the general election conducted by the Los Angeles City Clerk, Election Division every 2 years in every even-numbered year in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the City Clerk. The Committee organizes and executes with special WCKNC elections. The Committee proposes and enforces standing rules as necessary with the approval of the Board. The Committee informs the voting members of all election rules and procedures, and reports at WCKNC General meeting on any adopted changes.

c). Budget, Finance, and Fundraising Committee: Chaired by the Treasurer.

The Committee oversees and administrates all WCKNC financial matters, including establishing a system of financial accountability as rand maintaining all records of deposits.

d). Government Relations and Bylaws Committee: Chaired by the Executive Vice President.

The Committee fulfills City oversight functions and liaises with City and other governmental agencies and oversees the enforcement of and amendment to WCKNC Bylaws. (All amendments must follow the procedures as stipulated in these Bylaws.)

e). Outreach/Communications Committee: Chaired by the Vice President.

The Committee oversees, administrates and executes communications (in English, Spanish, and Korean) with WCKNC Community Stakeholders and performs ongoing outreach to WCKNC Community Stakeholders.

f). Land Use and Planning Committee: Chaired by any Executive Committee Member or Board Member appointed by the Executive Committee and approved by a majority vote of the Board of the WCKNC.

The Committee reviews, invites public input, reports on, and makes recommendations for action to the full WCKNC Board on any land use and planning issues affecting the WCKNC community.

g). Public Safety Committee: Chaired by any Executive Committee Member or Board Member appointed by the Executive Committee and approved by a majority vote of the Board of the WCKNC.

The Committee shall works to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life for community stakeholders by serving as liaisons to law enforcement entities such as the Los Angeles Police Department and LA County Sheriffs Department, Fire Department, and other safety related entities. Member shall represent the Board at local public safety meetings, such as SPAB (Community Police Advisory Board), SLO (Senior Lead Officer) Summits for Wilshire and Rampart Divisions, and others deemed necessary by the Committee and/or Board of Directors. Committee shall enhance community partnerships and problem-solving efforts in community, and shall advise the Board on issues related to the Department or Building and Safety, Health, and Housing.

h). Neighborhood Beautification Committee: Chaired by any Executive Committee Member or Board Member appointed by the Executive Committee and approved by a majority vote of the Board of the WCKNC.

The Committee shall promote the quality of life in Wilshire Center Koreatown by creating, participating in and supporting activities and programs that improve the physical and aesthetic environment. The Committee shall advocate a higher standard of community cleanliness, maintenance, and attractiveness. Encourages and promotes partnerships and participation of stakeholders through programs/activities such as graffiti eradication, neighborhood cleanups, abandoned shopping cart and bulky item removal, tree planning and public art.

ARTICLE 9. MEETINGS

a). Quorum:

A quorum must be present to conduct WCKNC General meeting as well as to rule on business, unless otherwise stated in these Bylaws. A quorum is considered to be at least 13 Board Members. A minimum of one (1) Executive Officer must be present at a General meeting for a quorum to be present.

Once a quorum is established, a majority greater than 50% of the Board Members present shall be sufficient for Board Members to rule on business issues.

Amendment of the Bylaws must be made by a two-thirds vote, or 17 votes, of the entire Board.

Approval of a referendum requires a two-thirds majority vote, or 17 votes, of the entire Board.

Approval of an Initiative requires a vote of greater than 50% of the entire Board.

b). Compliance with Law:

Meetings shall be open to public as promulgated by DONE and shall be in compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, and Roberts Rules of Order as parliamentary authority.

c). Meeting Frequency:

Meetings of the WCKNC shall be held at least once per calendar quarter. The Council and its committees may meet more often as warranted, and timely notice shall be given to community stakeholders and the public.

d). Minutes:

Minutes of each meeting shall be made available to all interested parties.

e). Reconsideration:

The Board may reconsider and amend its actions on items listed on the agenda if that reconsideration takes place immediately following the original action or at the next meeting. The Board, if reconsidering an action immediately, shall: (1) make a Motion for Reconsideration and, if approved, (2) hear the matter and take an action. If the motion to reconsider an action is to be scheduled at the next meeting following the original action, then two items shall be placed on the agenda for that meeting: (1) a Motion for Reconsideration on the described matter and (2) a Proposed Action should the motion to reconsider be approved. A motion for reconsideration can only be made by a Board member who has previously voted on the prevailing side of the original action taken. If a Motion for Reconsideration is not made on the date the action was taken, then a Board Member on the prevailing side of the action must submit a Memorandum to the Secretary identifying the matter to be reconsidered and a brief description of the reason(s) for requesting reconsideration at the next regular meeting. The aforesaid shall be in compliance with the Brown Act.

ARTICLE 10. OUTREACH/COMMUNICATION

The WCKNC shall make a continuing and concerted effort to increase the voting membership and achieve diverse Community Stakeholder representation and participation on the Board and on committees. This commitment is consistent with DONE’s guidelines for neighborhood councils.

The WCKNC shall communicate with all Neighborhood Council Community Stakeholders on a regular basis in a manner consistent with DONE’s guidelines, that is, ensure that information is disseminated evenly and in a timely manner.

The WCKNC shall endeavor to coordinate at least one annual outreach through the mass distribution of print materials to the Community Stakeholders within the WCKNC boundaries in order to ensure that the greatest opportunity to participate is extended to the largest number of people.

The Outreach Committee shall have general responsibility for outreach communications. Procedures for outreach and communication will be but not limited to the following:

	• The Committee shall oversees periodic outreach efforts to solicit new membership using such methods as flyers, email to existing organizations and WCKNC database, door-to-door canvassing, advertisement in local periodicals, posting in public places, information booths at WILSHIRE CENTER-KOREATOWN NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL BYLAWS Revised by WCKNC on October 6, 2008 farmers’ markets or other community events, and/or other methods identified by the Committee or membership and deemed to be timely and effective.
	• The Committee shall solicit volunteers to undertake targeted organizing efforts to encourage the membership among underrepresented stakeholder groups and/or in historically disenfranchised portions of the community.
	• The Committee shall be responsible for maintaining a list of all voting members and their contact information, including mail, email, telephone numbers, and/or fax numbers as provided by each member.

ARTICLE 11. ELECTIONS

a). Election:

Elections for the WCKNC Board Members shall be conducted by the Los Angeles City Clerk, Election Division every 2 years in every even-numbered year in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the City Clerk commencing between April and June 2008. The rules and regulations promulgated by the City Clerk shall take precedence over any inconsistent language in these bylaws.

Any Stakeholder 18 and over years old, at the time of election, may complete a simple registration form and be eligible to vote. Any stakeholder age 18 years or older may submit an application to the Office of City Clerk, Election Division to become an elected Board Member of the WCKNC.

b). Term Limits:

Board members terms shall be two (2) years or until a successor is elected or appointed. No person may serve more than three (3) consecutive two-year terms in any office or as a Member of the Board.

c). Qualifications:

Any Community Stakeholder can qualify to run for a position on the WCKNC Board.

d). Registration:

Registered stakeholders are entitled to vote for Members of the Board in the annual elections.

e). Voting:

The voting shall be in the form of a ballot. Each stakeholder shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote per available seat. For Residential Representatives, excluding the At-Large Residential Representative Seat, stakeholders may only vote for the candidates on whose district they reside.

A candidate cannot run for more than one position on the Board.

No voting by proxy is allowed, either in elections or during meetings of the Board.

The candidate with the largest number of votes in each Stakeholder Group shall be elected as a new Board Member. For instance, for seven (7) vacant Residential Representative seats with ten (10) candidates, the top seven (7) candidates receiving the most electoral votes shall be elected as a new Board Member.

f). Tie Breaker:

If there is a tie between two candidates for one seat, the Office of City Clerk, Election Division shall first recount the votes. If the result remains the same, a token will be tossed to determine the final elected Board Member.

g). Candidates:

All candidates shall submit an application to be elected as a Member of the WCKNC Board according to the rules and regulations of the Office of City Clerk, Election Division

h). Document Requirement:

All candidates must submit all documents required by the Office of City Clerk, Election Division to become an official candidate for the WCKNC Board. All candidates must carefully read the Election Notice provided to all nominees and adhere to all said requirements.

i). Filling Board Vacancies:

If any or all Board seats are not filled after the general election, or are vacated due to voter recall, resignation, change in board members status, or due to removal, vacancies shall be filled by the following procedure:

1). Any stakeholder(s) interested in filling a vacant seat on the Board shall submit a written application(s) to the Secretary within 30 days of the date that seat becomes vacant.

2). After the lapse of 30 days, the Secretary shall forward the names of applicants to the next board meeting. If there is only one candidate applying for the vacant seat, the members of the board would vote. However, should there be more than one candidate, for the vacant seat, the board would post the election notice at least 5 days in advance from the date of general board meeting. Then the Board members and the stakeholder would vote to elect the vacant seat. The elected candidate’s term shall be limited to the term for the vacant seat.

ARTICLE 12. DEFINITIONS AND COMPLIANCE WITH GENERAL RULES

a). Code of Ethics:

The Wilshire Center-Korea-town Neighborhood Council, upon certification, shall be subject to any or all applicable sections of the City of Los Angeles Governmental Ethics Ordinance (Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 49.5.1). All applicable laws of local, state, and federal government shall be the minimum ethical standard for the Body, and Community Stakeholders.

b). Governing Parliamentary Authority:

The WCKNC will abide by all applicable federal, state and city laws, these Bylaws, the WCKNC Standing Rules and Robert’s Rules of Order (in this order). All meetings, including but not limited to any and all general public meetings, committee meetings, subcommittees and/or ad hoc committees, shall be governed by any written rules adopted by the Board for the conducting of meetings, or by Robert’s Rules of Order, where no Board rules apply. The Board rules that have been formally adopted and set forth in writing shall, unless contrary to State or federal law, take precedent where there is a conflict with Robert’s Rules of Order.

c). Standing Rules:

Standing Rules may be approved by the Board Members to supplement these Bylaws. Such rules shall be in addition to the Bylaws and shall not be construed to change or replace any bylaw. Among other aspects, Standing Rules are meant to guide the conduct of the Board, election guidelines, and the procedures of all meetings. If a conflict should arise between a provision of the Bylaws and a Standing Rule, the Bylaws shall govern. Standing Rules may be adopted, amended, or repealed by a simple majority vote of the Board Members.

d). Code of Civility:

The members of the Board Members of the WCKNC shall agree to abide by a Code of Civility.

The freedom to express one’s views about public matters is a cornerstone of the democratic process. The WCKNC Neighborhood Council welcomes the diverse views and opinions of all Board Members and stakeholders as they relate to the issues before the Board. In order for these discussions to be meaningful and effective, however, respect and dignity must be observed.

e). Declaration of Code of Civility:

	1. I will conduct myself in a professional and civil manner at all times as a representative of the WCKNC Neighborhood Council, including treating each member of the board and members of the public with respect at all times.
	2. Even in the face of disagreement or differences of opinion, I will demonstrate esteem and deference for my colleagues and the public. During Neighborhood Council meetings, functions, or events I will not engage in or threaten to engage in any verbal or physical attack on any other individual. I will not use language that is abusive, threatening, obscene, or slanderous, including using profanities, insults, or other disparaging remarks or gestures. I believe that derogatory language about an individual’s ethnicity, race, sexuality, age, disability, or religion is not acceptable.
	3. I will promote and enforce a safe meeting environment at all times. At moments when members of the public become disruptive and violate the rules of civility that we have pledged to follow, I will join my fellow board members in demanding that the persons conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner even if I agree with the point of view that is being expressed.
	4. I will commit to communicate my ideas and points of view clearly, and allow others to do the same without interruption. I pledge to truly listen to and hear other points of view. I will practice the art of being able to disagree without being disagreeable.
	5. I will take responsibility for my own actions, and will work to fulfill my role and responsibilities as specified in the bylaws.
	6. I will commit to learn the applicable laws that govern Neighborhood Councils, including bylaws, standing rules, meeting procedures, the Brown Act, conflict of interest laws, city ordinances, and the City Charter, and will not knowingly violate any of them so that we can maintain a safe and effective environment for conducting business.
	7. I will seek to present information truthfully, and will not knowingly misrepresent, mischaracterize, or misquote information received from others.
	8. If I find myself representing my personal interests before my community’s interests, I will publicly disclose the differences and excuse myself from voting on such matters, and I will ask for advice from the Office of the City Attorney whenever I have doubts.
	9. I will commit to good faith efforts to resolve grievances that come before the board as specified in the bylaws.
	10. Out of respect to my fellow board members, the public, and the decision-makers who we are trying to influence, I will make the best possible effort to understand the issues before me.

f). Records:

The accounting books, records, and minutes of proceedings of the Board Members and any committee of the Board shall be kept at such place or places designated by the Board. Or, in the absence of such a designation, the Minutes shall be kept in written or typed form, and the accounting books and records shall be kept either in written or typed form or in any other form capable of being converted into written, typed, or printed form.

g). Inspection by Stakeholders:

WCKNC will comply with the Public Records Act. Every stakeholder shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, and documents of every kind and the physical properties of the WCKNC. The right of inspection includes the right to copy and make extracts of documents.

h). Reports:

The Board shall provide to DONE and WCKNC members within 90 days after the close of its fiscal year, a report containing the following information in reasonable detail:

	1). The assets and liabilities, including the trust funds of the WCKNC fiscal year, as of the end of the fiscal year
	2). The principal changes in assets and liabilities, including trust funds, during the fiscal year
	3). The revenue and receipts of the WCKNC for both general and restricted purposes for the fiscal year
	4). The expense disbursements of the WCKNC for both unrestricted and restricted to particular purposes during the fiscal year
	5). The amount appropriated, additional receipts, expenses paid, and ending balances of all accounts

i). Accounting Law Compliance:

WCKNC will comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as well as financial and other reporting requirements of the Neighborhood Empowerment Plan.

j). Initiative:

An Initiative is a procedure by which Stakeholders or Board Members may directly petition for a proposal and secure its submission to the WCKNC Board for approval. Any WCKNC Stakeholder or Board Member may put forth an Initiative by presenting a petition to the Executive Committee or the Board Members with no less than fifty (50) signatures of Stakeholders or Board Members supporting the motion. The petition shall include a maximum of a one-page narrative outlining the purpose and content of the Initiative.

Receipt of this completed petition by the Executive Committee or the Board Members shall trigger this item being scheduled as an action item on the Agenda at the next WCKNC meeting to be held no less thirty (30) days or more than ninety (90) days following the receipt of the completed petition. Notice of the Initiative, including the narrative description, shall be made available in all public meeting notices and announcements for the upcoming meeting at which the Board will vote on the Initiative. Passage of the Initiative requires a vote of greater than 50% of the full WCKNC Board.

If the Initiative passes, the Stakeholder(s) or Board Member(s) who put forth the Initiative must be willing to chair and/or organize an ad-hoc committee (when appropriate) to carry out the action of the Initiative, if so directed by the Board Members.

k). Referendum:

A referendum is a procedure by which a Stakeholder or Voting Member may directly reject or oppose an action taken or decision made by the WCKNC Board Members. Any WCKNC Stakeholder or Member of the Board may put forth a referendum by presenting a petition to the Executive Committee or the Board with no less than one hundred (100) signatures of WCKNC Stakeholders, including Board Members supporting the motion. The petition shall include a maximum of a one-page narrative outlining the purpose and content of the referendum.

The Executive Committee, or the full Board, shall schedule the petition as an action item on the Agenda at the next WCKNC meeting, to be held no less than thirty (30) days or more than ninety (90) days following receipt of the completed petition.

Notice of the referendum, including the narrative description, shall be made available in all public meeting notices and announcements for the upcoming meeting.

Approval of the referendum requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote or 17 votes of the full WCKNC Board.

l). Excessive Absenteeism & Tardiness:

Any Board Member who has been absent for three (3) consecutive general meetings, either excused or unexcused, shall be reported to the Executive Committee by the Secretary. The Executive Committee shall then review the matter and issue a Letter of Concern as a corrective course of action to the said Board Member. Should the said Board Member continue to be absent two (2) consecutive meetings, either excused or unexcused, after the receipt of the corrective action notice, the Executive Committee then shall submit a formal referendum petition to the General Board to remove the said Board Member from the Board. Any Board Member frequently and habitually being tardy, and Board members leaving early is also considered tardy, shall receive a letter of concern from the Secretary. And, should the violation continue, the Secretary shall submit a tardy report to the Executive Committee for further course of action. In addition, if a Board Member fails to consistently attend meetings at which s/he is expected to be present, the Board Member shall automatically be removed and the seat will be declared vacant upon a formal motion and vote by the Board. See "o). Resignation and Removal (Recall)".

m). Violation of Rules and Regulation:

Any Board Members knowingly violating the bylaws and rules of the WCKNC shall be reviewed by the Executive Committee, and, depending upon the severity of the violation, the Executive Committee may issue a letter of Concern to the said Board Member, or submit a formal petition of referendum to the General Board.

n). Violation of Code of Civility:

Any Board Member knowingly violating the Code of Civility shall be review by the Executive Committee, and, depending upon the severity of the violation, the Executive Committee may issue a letter of Concern to the said Board Member as a corrective measure, or submit a formal petition of referendum to the General Board.

0). Resignation and Removal (Recall):

	1. Any Board Member may resign by submitting a written resignation to the President or the Secretary.
	2. Any Board Member may not be recalled by the WCKNC Board or stakeholders without first receiving authorization and approval from the Office of the City Attorney.
	3. A Board member may be removed by the submission of a written petition that (a) identifies the Board member to be removed, (b) describes in detail the reason for removal and (3) includes the signatures of 100 Stakeholders representative of the three classifications of stakeholders. The Secretary shall then have the matter placed on the agenda for a vote of the Board at the next regular meeting of the Board. A vote of “no confidence” by a minimum of two-thirds of the Board shall be necessary to remove the identified Board member forthwith. The Board member that is the subject of the removal action shall not take part in the vote on this matter, but will be allowed to speak at the meeting to the Board prior to the vote. If an adequate number of Board members are not present to take a vote on removal, the matter shall be placed on the agenda for the next regular meeting, and every meeting thereafter, until such time as a vote is taken.
	4. If a Board Member fails to consistently attend meetings at which s/he is expected to be present, the Board Member shall automatically be removed and the seat will be declared vacant upon a formal motion and vote by the Board. Executive Officers are expected to attend all Executive Committee meetings, Board Members meetings, and General meetings. Board Members are expected to attend all Board Members meetings and General meetings. Unexcused WILSHIRE CENTER-KOREATOWN NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL BYLAWS Revised by WCKNC on October 6, 2008 absence from three (3) consecutive meetings or six (6) or more meetings during the previous twelve months shall be deemed a failure to consistently attend.

p). Grievances:

Any grievance by a stakeholder must be submitted in writing to the Board. The WCKNC Board shall then refer the matter to an ad hoc grievance panel comprised of 5 stakeholders who are randomly selected by the Council secretary from a list of stakeholders who have previously expressed an interest in serving from time-to-time on such a grievance panel. The Secretary will coordinate a time and a place for the panel to meet with the person(s) submitting a grievance and to discuss ways in which the dispute may be resolved.

Thereafter, a panel member shall promptly prepare a written report to be forwarded by the Secretary to the Board outlining the panel’s collective recommendations for resolving the grievance. The Board may receive a copy of the panel’s report and recommendations prior to any meeting by the Board, but the matter shall not be discussed among the Board members until the matter is heard at the next regular meeting of the Board pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act.

This formal grievance process is not intended to apply to stakeholders who simply disagree with a position or action taken by the Board at one of its meetings. Those grievances can be aired at Board meetings. This grievance process is intended to address matters involving procedural disputes, e.g., the Board’s failure to comply with Board rules or these bylaws, or it failure to comply with the City’s Charter, the Plan, local ordinances, and/or State and federal law. In the event that a grievance cannot be resolved through this grievance process, then the matter may be referred to the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment for consideration or dispute resolution in accordance with the Plan.

ARTICLE 13. AMENDMENTS

Amendments, changes, additions or deletions to these bylaws may be proposed by the Board or any stakeholder(s) during the public comment period of a regular meeting of the Board. A proposal to amend these bylaws, however, must then be formalized in writing and then lodged with the Secretary or person responsible for preparing the agenda for the next regular meeting. The proposed amendment will be placed on the agenda for public discussion at a subsequent regular meeting of the Board.

A recommendation for amendment or adjustment of these bylaws must be made by a two-thirds vote, or 17 votes, of the entire number of the Board. Thereafter, and within 14 days after a vote recommending adjustment or amendment to the bylaws, a Notice of Proposed Adjustment of Bylaws shall be submitted to the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment along with a copy of the existing bylaws for review and approval by the Department. No amendment is effective until approval of the DONE.