Spring Branch West
Super Neighborhood Council
By-Laws
Approved March 16, 2000 by Meeting Attendees
and Approved by the Council April 6, 2000

Contents:
Current By-Laws Draft (Pending City of Houston approval)
Attachment 1 - Initial Representatives
Attachment 2 - Sample Letter from Stakeholder Appointing Representative
Attachment 3 - Sample Letters from Stakeholder Accepting/Declining Participation
Attachment 4 - Organization(s) & Representative(s) Contacted to Participate
Attachment 5 - Initial Officers & Delegates Contact Information

Notes: 	By-Laws posted on the web at www.shasteen.com/sbc/index.htm under Super Neighborhoods
	By-Laws will be made available for the Sun and Chronicle to publish (doubt they will publish, but might publish location to get) and we will request that they announce the meeting

Spring Branch West
Super Neighborhood Council
By-Laws

Draft as of February 17, 2000
Approved March 16, 2000 by Attendees

Article I - Name 

The name of the organization shall be Spring Branch West Super Neighborhood Council, hereinafter referred to as SBW-SNC.

Article II - Boundaries

 The SBW-SNC boundaries generally are: 
South: Interstate 10 Blalock to Westwick.
West: Westwick north to the Addicks Reservoir eastern boundary and north to Clay Road.
North: Clay Road east from the Addicks Reservoir to Beltway 8, south along Beltway 8 to Hammerly Blvd., Hammerly Blvd. east to Teague, Teague south to Neuens, Neuens east to Blalock.
East: Blalock from I-10 north to Neuens 
Boundaries may be expanded to incorporate contiguous areas with the approval of the Mayor’s office and a majority vote of the SBW-SNC.

Article III - Purpose

Section 3.1 - The SBW-SNC is organized exclusively for one or more of the purposes specified in Section 501(c)(3) and/or 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, and an application may be filed with the Internal Revenue Service for the 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofit status, if and when so determined by the Super Neighborhood Council. 

Section 3.2 - The purpose for which this SBW-SNC is organized shall be to promote the civic betterment and social welfare and well-being of those certain residents, business and property owners and other stakeholder groups within the boundaries of the SBW-SNC, and to promote and engage in activities for their use and benefit. These organizations within this area being situated in Houston, Harris County, Texas, and being that area identified in Article II.

Section 3.3 - The general purpose and power of SBW-SNC is to have and exercise all rights and powers conferred on nonprofit corporations under the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act and other laws of Texas, or those powers which may hereinafter be conferred, and (i) to seek a consensus and provide citizens with opportunities to advise the Houston City Council, Mayor’s Office and other entities on issues important to the SBW-SNC; (ii) undertake a wide range of neighborhood improvement projects determined by the members; and (iii) with cooperation from the City of Houston and other entities, identify and develop solutions to mutual problems, and initially to develop a Super Neighborhood Action Plan (SNAP) to address them.

Section 3.4 - Notwithstanding any of the above statements of purposes and powers, this corporation shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the primary purpose of this corporation.

Article IV - Membership

Section 4.1 - Membership in the SBW-SNC shall consist of duly designated delegates of eligible organizations such as civic clubs, civic associations, tenants’ associations, neighborhood block associations, nonprofit public service organizations, community business associations, associations of churches or other faith-based institutions, associations of educational institutions and other institutions situated and conducting business within the geographic boundaries of the said SBW-SNC. It is specifically understood that no one resident, business, faith-based institution, etc., would be a member delegate of SBW-SNC, but rather that they may participate through an appropriate neighborhood organization. Special interest groups are specifically excluded, i.e., governmental entities and ad hoc committees. Article V explains the manner of determination of the council member delegates

Section 4.2 - Any stakeholder within the SBW-SNC area shall have the right to be represented through either appropriate existing or new eligible organizations.

Section 4.3 - Participation in the SBW-SNC shall not be limited by the imposition of membership requirements or fees, neither by the Council, nor by participating organizations.

Section 4.4 - Exclusion of any individual or organization based on race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or national origin from participating in the SBW-SNC activities or serving as a SBW-SNC member or executive committee member shall be prohibited.

Section 4.5 - The function of the SBW-SNC shall be to make policies, evaluate projects, set goals and to act on behalf of the SBW-SNC as voted on and required.

Section 4.6 - SBW-SNC delegate participation shall be confirmed at the beginning of each regular meeting of the full SBW-SNC. 

Article V SBW-SNC Seats and Voting Authority

Section 5.1 - The SBW-SNC consists of the following seats, each having one vote:

Nine initial residential seats, appointed annually by the respective boards of each of the following civic associations which are to provide an authorization letter indicating their delegate:

	Royal Oaks Civic Assoc., Royal Spring Civic Assoc., Shadow Oaks Civic Assoc., Sherwood Oaks Committee, Spring Branch Civic Assoc., Springwoods Civic Assoc., Timber Oaks Civic Assoc., Victorian Village Townhouse I, Wrenwood Civic Assoc.

As the number of participating resident associations increases, each newly participating organization will appoint a delegate and the number of residential seats will increase.

One business seat, selected annually by the West Houston Chamber of Commerce - Spring Branch Division

One business seat, selected by all participating business interests in the geographic boundaries of SBW-SNC annually at their own meeting, or in lieu of that, at the first SBW-SNC meeting of the year by those interests in attendance with an authorization letter to vote from the business they represent.

One faith-based institution seat, selected by all participating faith-based interests in the geographic boundaries of SBW-SNC annually at their own meeting, or in lieu of that, at the first SBW-SNC meeting of the year by those interests in attendance with an authorization letter to vote from the religious organization they represent.

	The initial faith based organization seat is held by St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.

One open seat, selected by all other participating organizations in the geographic boundaries of SBW-SNC annually at their own meeting, or in lieu of that, at the first SBW-SNC meeting of the year by those in attendance with an authorization letter to vote from the entity they represent. Only organizations which do not fall into other categories listed above, such as apartment owners, apartment tenant associations, educational institutions, and other community organizations would be included.

Section 5.2 - The number of seats and the manner in which they are elected may be modified from time to time in the manner set out in this document for amendment of by-laws.

Section 5.3 - Members of the SBW-SNC must be residents of Texas and live or work within the Houston City limits.

Section 5.4 - Each entity designating a delegate may at their discretion designate an alternate delegate whose function will be to substitute for their primary delegate as needed and when doing so, have the same powers and responsibilities, with the exception of officer position, powers and responsibilities.

Article VI Executive Committee

Section 6.1 - The functions of the Executive Committee shall include, but not be limited to: convening and administering the Executive Committee and SBW-SNC meetings to approve and set policies; to evaluate projects; communicate with City government and with SBW-SNC members; communicate with the City Liaison Super Neighborhood Council Coordinator; promote participation in City governance; establish committees to carry out these and other functions as needed. The Executive Committee consists of the President, the Executive Vice President, the Vice President, the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary, and the Treasurer. 

Article VII - Officers

Section 7.1 - The officers shall consist of a President, an Executive Vice President, a Vice President, a Secretary, an Assistant Secretary, and a Treasurer.

Section 7.2 - The functions of these officers are set in this and subsequent articles.

Section 7.3 - The President shall preside over all meetings. The President shall have the authority to conduct meetings and to maintain order. The President shall appoint all committee chairs.

Section 7.4 - The Executive Vice President shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President and shall perform various duties and serve on committees as assigned by the President.

Section 7.5 - The Vice President shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President and the Executive Vice President and shall perform various duties and serve on committees as assigned by the President.

Section 7.6 - The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of proceedings of all meetings, attend to correspondence, when applicable, act as custodian of all records, as well as maintain current membership information and attendance records.

Section 7.7 - The Assistant Secretary shall review and attend to all in-coming and out-going correspondence of the SBW-SNC. The Assistant Secretary assumes the duties of the Secretary in his or her absence.

Section 7.8 - The Treasurer shall keep an accurate record of all financial transactions, receive all monies, and deposit funds, if any, in the bank. This officer shall disburse monies as authorized by the SBW-SNC. The Treasurer shall present a report of finances at each SBW-SNC meeting. Checks disbursed shall contain the signature of the Treasurer as well as the signature of one of the other members of the Executive Committee.

Section 7.9 - Officers shall be duly elected every two years as the first order of business at the first meeting of the SBW-SNC of each year by a quorum of the voting members of the SBW-SNC. Officers shall be installed at that meeting immediately after their election and hold office for (2) years. The President, Vice President, and Assistant Secretary shall be elected in even years. The Executive Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected in odd years.

Section 7.10 - No officer shall serve in the same position for more than two (2) consecutive terms.

Section 7.11 - A vacancy in an office shall be filled by a special election by a quorum of the members of the SBW-SNC. Officers elected to fill the vacancy shall assume office at the first meeting following the special election and shall hold office until the next regular installation of officers.

Section 7.12 - Any officer who fails to meet the obligations of their office may be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote at a SBW-SNC meeting where a quorum is present.

Article VIII - Meetings

Section 8.1 - Meetings of the SBW-SNC shall be held not less frequently than once per year in January. The day, date, time, and location of each meeting is to be set by the President (with the approval of the members of the Executive Committee present) during the preceding meeting. The SBW-SNC may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of additional regular meetings of the SBW-SNC. Meetings will be held in the SBW-SNC general geographic area, but may be held outside of that area if no suitable location is available within the SBW-SNC geographic area.

Section 8.2 - Special meetings may be called by the President or Executive Vice President, or by the written request to either or both by a quorum of the members. The Executive Committee will call requested meetings within a three (3) week time frame.

Section 8.3 - A simple majority of SBW-SNC members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a SBW-SNC meeting. Note that this is a quorum of the filled seats, i.e., unfilled seats are not included. For example, if the faith-based institution seat is vacant, that seat is not included in the total from which the majority is calculated.) If less than a majority of the SBW-SNC members are present at any meeting, a majority of the SBW-SNC members present may adjourn the meeting.

Section 8.4 - SBW-SNC stakeholders may participate via meetings open to the public and will be notified of decisions through their participating organizations, respective civic association meetings and/or newsletters and may be published in various newspapers available to the community.

Section 8.5 - All SBW-SNC meetings shall be conducted where all may observe discussions and participate. An individual wishing to speak to the SBW-SNC shall sign a “Speakers List” at the beginning of the meeting and shall be allowed three (3) minutes to speak, unless SBW-SNC desires more information from said speaker. 

Section 8.6 - Notice of any regular or special meeting of the SBW-SNC shall be given at least five (5) days previously by written notice delivered personally or sent by mail or electronically to each SBW-SNC delegate at his address as shown on the records of the organization. The annual meeting will be announced via press release distributed to local newspapers.

Article IX - Committees

Section 9.1 - There shall be no standing committees.

Section 9.2 - Special committees shall be established as the need arises. Chairpersons of these committees shall be appointed by the President or in his absence the Executive Vice President, or by the Vice President in the absence of both the President and the Executive Vice President.

Section 9.3 - The committee chairperson shall appoint at least two additional committee members.

Section 9.4 - Committee chairpersons and committee members need not necessarily be SBW-SNC members, however they must be affiliated with stakeholder or potential stakeholder organizations and approved by the President or in his absence the Executive Vice President, or by the Vice President in the absence of both the President and the Executive Vice President.

Article X - Procedures

“Robert’s Rules of Order” shall be the guide for procedure in all points of order not covered by the By-Laws.

Article XI - Amendment of By-Laws

These By-Laws may be amended from time to time on an as needed basis by resolution in writing, presented at a meeting of the SBW-SNC, read and approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of SBW-SNC at two consecutive meetings at which a quorum is present at each meeting.

Article XII - Dissolution

The SBW-SNC may be dissolved with the assent given in writing and signed by not less than two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of of SBW-SNC at two consecutive meetings at which a quorum is present at each meeting.

SBW-SNC
Supplemental Attachment 1 - Not a part of the By-Laws
Initial Representatives

A letter is to be received annually, or more frequently, from each stakeholder organization, and maintained as the basis for their participation their representative(s) to vote as a member of SBW-SNC and is to include:
The name and nature of the organization
A brief description of how their representative(s) was(were) determined
The name, address, and phone number of their representative(s)
The signature of a representative of the stakeholder organization
The names of the stakeholder organizations and the names, addresses and phone numbers of their initial representatives and alternates, if any, (ALT) are:

Civic Organization & Name	Address	Phone		
Royal Oaks Civic Assoc.
	Ray Shasteen		10128 Brinwood, Houston TX 77043	H-713-465-7084
	ALT Richard Parker	1639 Nocturne, Houston TX 77043	H-713-468-8127
Royal Spring Civic Assoc.
	Barbara Chiappetta	10010 Moorberry, Houston TX 77043	H-713-463-6373
	ALT Richard Wilshusen	10015 Moorberry, Houston, TX 77080	H-713-464-0181
Shadow Oaks Civic Assoc.
	Tim Joseph		10214 Oak Point Dr., Houston TX 77043	H-713 464-9199
	ALT Anne Boland	1827 Shadow Bend, Houston, TX 77043	N-713-464-2097
Sherwood Oaks Committee
	Harry Nicholls		11218 Maple Springs, Houston TX 77043	H-281 497-1893
Spring Branch Civic Assoc.
	Richard D. Edson	9801 Larston, Houston TX 77043	H-713-973-8159
	ALT Gayle West	9004 Westview, Houston TX 77055	H-713-464-9356
Springwoods Civic Assoc.
	Height, Ron		1607 Shadowdale Dr., Houston TX 77043	H-713-932-7296
Timber Oaks Civic Assoc.
	Blackburn, Alice 	2018 Stebbins, Houston TX 77043	H-713-464-3102
	ALT Tomislav Gracanin	1907 Shadow Bend, Houston TX 77043	H-713-464-0955
Victorian Village Townhouse I
	Dee Varnadore		10376 Hammerly, Houston, 77043	H-713 464-5596
Wrenwood Civic Assoc.
	John Little	1621 Wycliffe, Houston TX 77043	H-713-465-5173

Business & Name	Address	Phone				
Houston West Chamber of Commerce, Spring Branch Division
	Brenda Stardig		10615 Brinwood, Houston TX 77043	H-713-647-0544
Faith Based Organization & Name	Address	Phone		
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church	10688 Shadow Wood, Houston, TX	W-713-467-8170
	Father Michael Carmody	10688 Shadow Wood Drive, Houston TX 77043	W-713-467-8171
	ALT Herbert Hirscher	10238 Moorberry, Houston TX 77043	H-713-468-8758
Open Seat Organization & Name	Address	Phone		
Open

Organizations which are expected to participate in short course
Civic Organization & Name	Address	Phone
Gessner Woods Civic Assoc.
	Trinca, Joe		10115 Metronome, Houston TX 77080	H-713 468-3013
Pine Village Civic Club
	Wheeler, Martin		9705 Warwana, Houston TX 77080	H-713 465-2409

The above representatives are for the purpose of initiating the By-Laws and shall not to be construed as limiting the number of representatives eligible to participate in the SBW-SNC. 

SBW-SNC
Supplemental Attachment 2 - Not a part of the By-Laws
Sample Letter from Stakeholder Appointing Representative

To: The Spring Branch West Super Neighborhood Council
From: (The name of the organization, or if on letterhead, implied.)
Date: (The date the communication was signed)
Subject: Representative from our organization to the Spring Branch West Super Neighborhood Council

We have determined by (vote of the members, vote of the board, appointment by the President, appointment by the owner, etc.) that the following individual is to represent us as a stakeholder in the Spring Branch West Super Neighborhood Council.

Joe Smith  -  Mailing address: 10111 Spring Branch Road, Houston, TX 77043
	Day phone: (____) - ____-________ Night phone: (____) - ____-________
	E-mail: ______________________

We are looking forward to positive actions by the Spring Branch West Super Neighborhood Council on our behalf.

Sincerely,

Joe Smith
President (or comparable title), Stakeholder Organization

SBW-SNC
Supplemental Attachment 3 - Not a part of the By-Laws
Sample Letter from Stakeholder Declining Participation

To: The Spring Branch West Super Neighborhood Council
From: (The name of the organization, or if on letterhead, implied.)
Date: (The date the communication was signed)
Subject: Representative from our organization to the Spring Branch West Super Neighborhood Council

We have determined by (vote of the members, vote of the board, appointment by the President, appointment by the owner, etc.)
that our organization is not interested in participating in the Spring Branch West Super Neighborhood Council.

We are still, however, looking forward to positive actions by the Spring Branch West Super Neighborhood Council on our behalf.

Sincerely,

Joe Smith
President (or comparable title), Stakeholder Organization

SBW-SNC
Supplemental Attachment 4 - Not a part of the By-Laws
Organization(s) & Representative(s) Contacted to Participate

==================================================================================
All entities listed have were contacted individually and specifically to invite them 
to participate in the super neighborhood.
==================================================================================

Non Civic Associations and Contacts
 - Participating 	Non Civic Associations and Contacts
 - Not Participating 
(Sent initial letter, various e-mails, & phone calls)	

	HWCC- Spring Branch
Korean American Association
MetroNational (Apartment management)
PIP (Positive Interaction Program)
Rockwell Management (Apartment management)
SBISD (Spring Branch Independent School District)
SBRA (Spring Branch Revitalization Association)
SBC (Spring Branch Coalition)

Civic Associations and Contacts
 - Participating	Civic Associations and Contacts
 - Not Participating
(Sent initial letter, various e-mails, & phone calls)	
Royal Oaks Civic Assoc.
Royal Spring Civic Assoc.
Shadow Oaks Civic Assoc.
Sherwood Oaks Committee
Spring Branch Civic Assoc.
Springwoods Civic Assoc.
Timber Oaks Civic Assoc.
Victorian Village Townhouse I 
Wrenwood Civic Assoc.

Note: In very near future anticipate participation of:
	Gessner Woods Civic
	Pine Village Civic Club
	B. H. W. Civic Club (apparently defunct)
Pine Shadows Civic Association
Shadow Wood Civic Assoc.
Shadowdale Townhouse Assoc.
Spring Meadows Property
Westwick Homeowners Assoc.
Wilcrest Walk Townhomes Assoc.
Willow Walk Townhouse Assn.	

Religious Associations and Contacts
 - Participating	Religious Associations and Contacts
 - Not Participating
(Sent initial letter, various e-mails, & phone calls)	
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

	Congregation Beth Am
Crossroads Baptist Church
Fair Haven United Methodist Church
Polish Catholic Pastoral Mission of OLOC
Spring Branch Community Church
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
Young Nak Presbyterian Church
Woodhaven Baptist Deaf Church	

SBW-SNC
Supplemental Attachment 4 - Not a part of the By-Laws (Continued)
Organization(s) & Representative(s) Contacted to Participate

==================================================================================
All entities listed have were contacted individually and specifically to invite them 
to participate in the super neighborhood.
==================================================================================

Apartment & Tenant Associations and Contacts
 - Participating	Apartment & Tenant Associations and Contacts
 - Not Participating
(Sent initial letter for all Spring Branch Super Neighborhoods))	
None	Amberwood Apts-77055
Aspenwood Apts-77055
Blalock Apts-77055
Blalock Woods Apts-77055
Cedar Branch Apts-77055
Crown Village Apts-77080
Eagle Hollow Apts-77043
Front Royale Apts-77043
Hammerly Walk Apts-77080
Hilshire Village Apts-77055
Hilton Town Apts-77055
Johanna Apts-77055
Kempwood Hollow Apts-77080
Kempwood Place Apts-77080
Kempwood Place Townhomes-77080
Kerrwood Patio Homes-77055
Knights Landing Apts-77043
Lakeview Place Apts-77080
Long Point Plaza Apts-77055
Mac Arthur Park Apts-77055
Malibu Court Apts-77055
Mc Kean Patio Homes-77055
Northwest Corners Apts-77080
Oaks Of Moritz Apts-77055	Park On Westview Apts-77043
Park Shadows Apts-77055
Pine Gardens Apts-77080
Poco Duplexes-77055
Rolling Wood Apts-77055
Royalgate & Timberwood Apts-77080
Sandy Glen Apts-77043
Sherwood Springs Townhomes-77043
Southern Gardens Apts-77055
Southern Pines Apts-77043
Spring Branch Estates Apts-77055
Spring Lake Apts-77080
Spring Pines Apts-77080
Spring Shadows Place Apts-77080
Spring Shadows South Apts-77080
Timberline Forest Townhomes-77043
Waterford Place Apts-77080
West Point Apts-77055
Westhaven Apts-77055
Westview Forest Apts-77043
Westview Garden Apts-77055
Witte Oaks Apts-77080
Woodvine Park Condos-77055	

SBW-SNC
Supplemental Attachment 5 - Not a part of the By-Laws.
Initial Officers & Delegates Contact Information

	Officers		Name			Stakeholder/Delegate Home Address & Phone

		President	Ray Shasteen		Royal Oaks Civic Assoc.
								10128 Brinwood, Houston TX 77043, H-713-465-7084
		Exec. VP	Brenda Stardig		Houston West Chamber of Commerce - Spring Branch
								10615 Brinwood, Houston TX 77043, H-713-647-0544
		VP			Ron Height		Spring Woods Civic Assoc.
								1607 Shadowdale Dr., Houston TX 77043, H-713-932-7296
		Secretary	Alice Blackburn		Timber Oaks Civic Assoc.
								2018 Stebbins, Houston TX 77043, H-713-464-3102
		Ass’t. Sec. 	Richard Edson		Spring Branch Civic Assoc.
								9801 Larston, Houston TX 77043, H-713-973-8159

		Treasurer	Tim Joseph		Shadow Oaks Assoc.
								10214 Oak Point Dr., Houston TX 77043, H-713 464-9199
	Delegates
					Barbara Chiappetta	Royal Spring Civic Assoc.
								1639 Nocturne, Houston TX 77043, H-713-468-8127
					Harry Nicholls 		Sherwood Oaks Committee
								11218 Maple Springs, Houston TX 77043, H-281 497-1893
					Dee Varnadore 		Victorian Village Townhouse I
								10376 Hammerly, Houston, 77043, H-713 464-5596
					John Little		Wrenwood Civic Assoc.
								1621 Wycliffe, Houston TX 77043, H-713-465-5173

					Father Michael Carmody St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
								10688 Shadow Wood, Houston, TX,77043, 713-467-8171

	Delegate Alternates
					Richard Parker		Royal Oaks Civic Assoc.
								10010 Moorberry, Houston TX 77043 ,H-713-463-6373
					Richard Wilshusen	Royal Spring Civic Assoc.
								10015 Moorberry, Houston, TX 77080, H-713-464-0181
					Anne Boland		Shadow Oaks Civic Assoc.
								1827 Shadow Bend, Houston, TX 77043, N-713-464-2097
					Gayle West		Spring Branch Civic Assoc.
								9004 Westview, Houston TX 77055, 713-464-9356
					None			Springwoods Civic Assoc.
					Tomislav Gracanin	Timber Oaks Civic Assoc.
								1907 Shadow Bend, Houston TX 77043, H-713-464-0955
					None			Victorian Village Townhouse I
					None			Wrenwood Civic Assoc.

					Herbert Hirscher		St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
								10238 Moorberry, Houston TX 77043, H-713-468-8758