Endorsement Policy (proposed)

[Matthew]

Our Coronado Neighborhood Association is often being asked to endorse issues, policies, zoning proposals, use permits, etc., many of which may be controversial. The Board finds no existing policy in place to guide us, with any consistency, in dealing with such requests. Therefore, we propose to fill this void with the following policy. We would like to vote on this policy at the October 2nd general meeting. Please take a moment to review.

Endorsement Policy (as proposed 08-0917)

The Coronado Neighborhood Association, in keeping with its mission to serve the community, welcomes interested parties to inform its Members of issues relevant to the Coronado neighborhood and its environs. The CNA may permit interested parties to attend its meetings and make a brief presentation during its general announcement period at the conclusion of official business.

It is the policy of the CNA not to use the name of the Association in support of, or in objection to, any issue on behalf of the entire Coronado neighborhood, unless the matter has been approved by a two-thirds majority of CNA Members present and voting after notice (preferably through available Association media) has been given to the Members that CNA will hear the issue and all sides have been provided an opportunity to be heard at a CNA general meeting or a special meeting designated specifically for the purpose of considering such an endorsement.

[roobin]

First, I'd like to thank the board for putting this information online.

Over the years policies have been created at meetings to satisfy an immediate need, but no record was ever made of it -- other than the recollection of those people in attendance at that one meeting.

And without the exact language of the policy reviewable, it didn't take long for memories to fade and sway the intent and use of past policies. Arguments ensued about what the policy was and those most insistent usually prevailed.

Then every year we end up reinventing the wheel, spinning in circles and always haltingly getting things moving again.

As written this looks like a good policy.

[kaleocarter]

I find it very distressing that CNA can in any shape or form endorse anything "on behalf of the entire Coronado neighborhood." CNA does not allow business owners nor property owners to be a part of this association, therefore omitting the voices of persons with the largest economic stake in Coronado. At this meeting I will request the exact number of current membership. CNA cannot act on behalf of an entire neighborhood if there is only a fraction of persons represented by the CNA membership. CNA is not an HOA, nor is it inclusive. CNA is a small group of residents and it is not representative of the entire neighborhood.

I request that every letter state the exact number of persons of the CNA membership, and that a disclaimer also be added to state that CNA does not seek to speak on behalf of all residents of the Coronado Neighborhood.

[Matthew]

The following proposed Endorsement Policy has been drafted by the Endorsement Policy Committee and reviewed by the Board and is posted here for review by the membership. We will be discussing the policy at the January 8th General Membership Meeting where it will be up for vote for adoption.

It is the Boards recommendation that the CNA carefully and selectively limit its "official endorsement" to specific issues that support our Mission Statement. It is not the intent of the CNA to become politically involved in frequent or divisive zoning issues or the like. For this reason, general and sweeping statements of support or opposition to numerous situations have been minimized in this policy.

Proposed CNA Endorsement Policy (proposal date 12-15-08)

A. Letters of official support / non-support

1. The Board shall only issue letters in support/non-support of projects, zoning, or conditions, etc. when the membership has voted, as described in our Bylaws, such support.
2. Letters shall be on CNA letterhead and bear the signatures of at least one officer. Letters SHALL ONLY be sent via USPS or hand-delivered by an Officer to the appropriate jurisdiction.
3. Pursuant to Bylaws Article 4, Section 1-B, the Board may act to execute its direction in these matters when time is of the essence.

B. Conditions

1. Commercial:
a. Boundaries: The area within the boundaries between the centerline of Indian School Road and the centerline of Van Buren Avenue; the centerline of 7th Avenue and the centerline of 30th Street.
b. Action: The board may issue a letter indicating that the Association does not support the new licensing or the renewal of license for any business or activity that runs counter to our MISSION STATEMENT.
c. Such businesses and activities may include, but shall not be limited to the following:
1. Packaged liquors
2. "Adult" -themes such as "strip-clubs", "gentlemen clubs", adult book stores, etc.
3. Auto Title Loan stores
4. Pawn shops
5. The use of vacant land or lots for the consignment or direct sale of land or water vehicles.
6. Check Cashing & Pay-Day Loan Stores

2. Residential:
a. Boundaries: The area described as the boundary of the Coronado Neighborhood Association.
b. Action: The board may issue a letter indicating that the Association does not support any use or activity that runs counter to our MISSION STATEMENT.
c. Such uses or activities may include, but shall not be limited to the following:
1. Group housing for the rehabilitation of criminal, ex-criminal, or substance-abusing persons.

C. Official Representation
No individual member shall voice that they represent the Association at public meetings, hearings, or similar gatherings, unless they have been appointed as such a representative by unanimous consent of the officers of the Board, at either a Board meeting or General meeting and such appointment shall be entered into the minutes of that meeting.

D. Policy Renewal
This Endorsement Policy may be amended and shall be renewed annually by vote at the Annual Meeting.