G.R.ASS Constitution
The constitution was adopted at the inaugural meeting of residents on 5th March 2009
A copy in PDF format can be downloaded from here.
G.R.ASS CONSTITUTION
A. NAME
G.R.ASS (Grassmarket Residents Association)
B. THE PURPOSE OF THE GROUP
To work cooperatively to make the Grassmarket area a better place to live for all its residents
C. CARRYING OUT THE PURPOSES
In order to carry out the purposes, the Committee has the power to:
(1) raise funds, receive grants and donations
(2) buy or sell property, take on leases and employ staff
(3) co-operate with and support other groups with similar purposes
(4) do anything else within the law which is necessary to achieve the purposes
D. MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to all residents of Grassmarket (and Closes), West Bow (and Closes), Victoria Street, Victoria Terrace, Upper Bow, Candlemaker Row, Cowgatehead, Heriot Bridge, Brown’s Place, Castle Wynd South, King’s Stables Road, Portsburgh Square and West Port (and Closes, Wynds and Lands). The Committee will keep an up to date list of active members.
E. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - AGM
(1) The AGM must be held every year, with 14 days notice given to all members telling them what is on the agenda.
(2) There must be at least 25 members present at the AGM.
(3) The Committee shall present the annual report and accounts.
(4) Annual reports and accounts will be displayed publicly.
(5) Any member may put themselves forward for election as a Committee member at the AGM.
(6) Every member has one vote.
(7) Members shall elect between 9 and 12 members to the Committee. They will retire at the next AGM and may stand for re-election.
F. COMMITTEE
(1) The Committee shall hold at least 4 meetings each year. They will elect a chair, treasurer and secretary at their first meeting.
(2) At least two thirds of the total complement of Committee members must be at a committee meeting to be able to take decisions. Minutes shall be kept for every meeting and publicly displayed locally.
(3) The Committee must keep accounts which may be viewed by any member on request.
(4) During the year, the Committee may appoint up to 2 extra members on to the Committee who will stand down at the next AGM but are eligible for re-election.
G. MONEY
(1) Funds must be held in the group’s bank account. All cheques must be signed by 2 Committee members.
(2) Funds cannot be used to pay Committee members except to refund legitimate expenses.
(3) Funds or property must only be used for the purposes of the group.
H. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
Special General Meetings may be called by the Committee for the following reasons. All members must be given 14 days notice and told what change is proposed.
(1) Changing the Constitution - The constitution may be changed by a two thirds majority of members present and voting at a Special General Meeting.
(2) Emergency Special General Meetings – to allow the members to decide on important issues.
(3) Winding up – the group may be wound up by a two thirds majority of members present and voting at a Special General Meeting. Any money or property remaining after payment of debts must be given to a group with similar purposes.
J. SETTING UP THE GROUP
This constitution was adopted on 5th March 2009 by the people whose signatures appear below. They will be the Committee until the first AGM, which must be held within one year of this date.
[Names and addresses withheld]
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