CHAT By-Laws

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BY-LAWS

COASTAL HOUSING AUTHORITIES OF TEXAS

 

 

ARTICLE I

NAME

 

The name of the organization shall be the Coastal Housing Authorities of Texas, also known as CHAT.

 

ARTICLE II

OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSES

 

The objective of CHAT is to enhance the professional development and effectiveness of Housing Authorities personnel.  To achieve these objectives, the purpose of CHAT shall be:

  • 1. To study and discuss problems of authorities particular to this area.
  • 2. To exchange ideas on management and operation of housing authorities.
  • 3. To analyze and disseminate information on housing and related fields.
  • 4. To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of members.
  • 5. To encourage and provide educational programs relative to the housing field.

 

ARTICLE III

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

 

All public housing authority agencies in the South Central and Coastal Regions of Texas are eligible for membership in CHAT.

 

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

 

  • A. The officers of CHAT shall be:
  • 1. President
  • 2. Vice-President
  • 3. Secretary/Treasurer
  • 4. Program Coordinator
  1. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the organization; to create and appoint such special committees as may, from time to time, be necessary for the conduct of the affairs of the organization; to implement such procedures and activities as may be adopted by the membership; and to report periodically to the membership on the affairs of the organization.
  2. The Vice-President shall preside in the absence of the President at all meetings of CHAT, shall succeed the President in office if a vacancy occurs in that office, and shall perform such other duties as may, from time to time be assigned by the President.
  3. The Secretary/Treasurer shall be responsible for maintaining the records and accounts of the organization, sending of notices as may be required, and performing such other duties as may be assigned by the President.
  4. The Program Coordinator shall plan, with the host authority, a program for each meeting that covers topics of interest to the members.  Any member may request a program concerning a specific subject concerning authority operations.
  5. An officer may serve for two consecutive two-year terms in the same office; thereafter, he or she must wait two years before being elected to that office again.
  6. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice President is to automatically succeed to that office for the balance of the President's term.  Other vacancies shall be filled by the majority vote of the members present at the meeting when the vacancy becomes known.

 

ARTICLE V

ELECTIONS

CHAT OFFICERS AND TEXAS HOUSING ASSOCIATION BOARD REPRESENTATIVES

 

  • A. Election of CHAT officers shall be conducted in November of even numbered years. The term of office is effective January 1 of the next year and each term shall be for two years.

1)  At least thirty days prior to the annual elections, the President shall appoint at least three (3) members to serve as a Nominating Committee.  The Committee shall nominate at least one member in good standing to each position.

  • B. One THA Representatives shall be elected every March. The term of office shall be for two years.

1)  Nominations will be taken at the January meeting for THA Representative.  Nomination will be accepted from the floor by members present in good standing.  Emailed, mailed or facsimile nominations will be taken for excused absences from members in good standing.  Each authority may nominate one person.  Nominee must be a member in good standing for previous year.

  • § Member in good standing - active member that attends regularly, three or more meetings a year. Dues must be paid by end of January.
  • C. List of nominees for both CHAT officers and THA Representative shall be emailed to all members so that a vote may be taken.
  • D. Each Authority/Agency shall have only one vote for each office and/or representative. Authority must be current on dues. The executive director or duly appointed representative may cast the vote.
  • E. For THA Representative a vote may be cast by email, mail or facsimile. Vote must be received by February 28th. Votes will be tallied at the March meeting.
  • F. For CHAT officers elections shall be governed by majority vote of members present during elections at the annual meeting.
  • G. Officers may be elected by written ballot or voice vote.
  • H. No person shall be eligible for election to office whose agency is not a member in good standing with CHAT for either CHAT officers or THA Representative.

 

ARTICLE VI

MEETINGS/TRAINING

           

  • A. The organization shall hold regular meetings every two months on the Third Thursday of the months of January, March, May, July, September and November. The Secretary/Treasurer shall send the meeting notice to each member not less than fourteen days prior to the meeting date.
  • B. The Annual Meeting shall be held in November of each year.
  • C. The President may change the date, time and location of any meeting if it becomes necessary.
  • D. Special meetings may be called by the President when warranted.
  • E. Meeting sites may be rotated among member agencies. Each host authority may charge necessary expenses to CHAT. Membership will be polled at the Annual Meeting for meeting sites.
  • F. To receive CHAT training rates authority must be a member in good standing. Non-members will pay $25.00 in addition to training cost. If the training is free for members then non-members must pay $25.00 per attendee.
  • G. The provisions of the By-Laws and Roberts Rules of Order shall apply to the conduct of any meeting of the membership.

 

ARTICLE VII

MEMBERSHIP FEES

 

  • A. The membership fee shall be $25.00 per agency per year.
  • B. The annual membership fee is due January 1 of each year. By majority vote of the members present at the annual meeting, membership fees may be abated for the coming year with collection of a token fee of fifty cents from each member authority.
  • C. All dues and monies collected shall be used to support the objectives and purposes of the organization.

 

ARTICLE VII

FISCAL YEAR

 

The fiscal year of CHAT shall begin January 1 and end December 31.

 

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS

 

The By-Laws of CHAT may be amended or revised only by majority vote of the membership.  Advance notice of not less that fourteen (14) days shall be sent to each member agency prior to the meeting in which the By-Laws are to be amended.

 

Adopted by the membership this         17      day of     September       , 20__09_.