As an association, CSMFO is governed by its bylaws and policies to ensure we continue to deliver to members in an effective and efficient way. As part of the 2018 Board planning session, leadership identified the need to review its bylaws in order to validate that the bylaws are current and relevant. In the Fall of 2019, President Joan Michaels Aguilar formed an Ad Hoc committee to comprehensively review the bylaws and bring forth recommendations, if any, to the Board and the membership for their approval.

Ad Hoc members included Past President Mary Bradley, Executive Director Melissa Manchester, President Joan Michaels Aguilar and Past President Margaret Moggia. Over a series of calls and review of other organizations bylaws, the Ad Hoc Committee shared their recommendations at the December 5, 2019 Board meeting. This update was also shared at the 2020 Annual Conference Business Meeting on January 31, 2020. The Board has approved the recommended changes be moved forward to a vote of the membership.

Voting will take place March 9th.

The following is a summary of the significant Bylaws recommendations being considered:

• Municipal Member definition – language was added addressing the case when a member may cease to be employed and the continuation of their membership (Article II Section A 1 a).
• Dues and Assessments – the current bylaws contain a provision with a date that annual membership will be suspended for unpaid dues at March 31. This has created some challenges with delayed issuance of the membership directory. This date would be changed to March 1.
• Rights and Privileges – would allow for retired members and current members in any category that have served as CSMFO President to serve as a Senior Advisor on committees. All members in good standing would be accorded the right to vote. This would mean commercial members would be able to vote for the Board of Directors. However, the provision remains that only municipal members can vote on by-laws amendments. (Article II Section D)
• Elections – proposed changes include modifying the current composition of the Nominating Committee to include the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, and up to five additional Past Presidents. In addition, current language states “A general invitation shall be extended to all municipal members”… would be changed to MAY be extended to all municipal members. (Article III Section C)
• Term – this was previously Section F, but Section E and F have been combined to address both Tenure and Term. (Article III, Section E)
• Duties of Directors and Officers – this section has been expanded to note the Board may establish standing committees to carry out the business activities of CSMFO. Each Officer has reviewed their respective sections and provided amendments to reflect current duties. (Article III, now Section G, previously H)
• Meetings –A section was added to address the protocol of closed session and other special meetings. Similar to the required noticing in public agencies with at least twenty-four hours’ notice and reporting out requirements. (Article IV, Section C)

Should you have any questions, please contact our Executive Director, Melissa Manchester at melissa@staff.csmfo.org, who is the CSMFO Board liaison.