By-Laws and Charter

By-Laws of the Ledges Property Owners Association
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name by which this organization shall be known is the Ledges Property Owners Association hereinafter referred to as the Assoc.

ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATION
The Assoc. is organized under the "General Not for Profit Corporation Act" of the State of Ill.

ARTICLE III
PURPOSE/MISSION STATEMENT

"To promote and protect the interests of the Ledges Community"

ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
The officers of the Assoc. shall include the following:
1. President
2. Vice-president
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. If at all possible there should be 12 members elected to the LPOA Board of Directors. It is desirable to have representation from the numerous areas of the Ledges

ARTICLE V
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected by the Board of Directors from its own membership, at the first Board meeting following the annual meeting of members.

The President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected by the Board of Directors from its own membership, at the first Board meeting following the annual meeting of members. Four of the board members should be serving a three year term, another four members should have two years remaining on their term of service and the remaining four members should have one year left on their term. To be eligible to be an officer or to be a member of the Board of Directors, the member must be a resident property owner.

ARTICLE VI
POWERS AND DUTIES
The President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer shall exercise those powers and duties customarily attaching to their respective offices and such other powers and duties as the Board of Directors shall prescribe. The administration and management of the Assoc. shall be vested in the Board of Directors, which shall make public to members and execute rules and regulations pertaining to the use and privileges of all properties belonging to the Assoc., prepare budgets, appoint committees, fill any vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors for the unexpired term of the vacating board member, determine all questions of eligibility for membership in the Association, call a special meeting of the members and exercise such other powers and authorities necessary or proper to the efficient control and management of the Assoc. and its properties A quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of two-thirds of the membership of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VII
COMMITTEES AND DUTIES
Committees and duties will be established at the discretion of the LOPA Board of Directors and will include: buildings and grounds, social, communications, environmental, legislative, safety/security, welcoming, web site and archives.

ARTICLE VIII
MEMBERSHIP
All persons owning a lot or conducting a business on an appropriately zoned piece of property with his or her respective spouse, if any, in any of the several subdivisions in the Ledges or surrounding area, shall each be eligible for membership in the Assoc.; however, each family is entitled to only one vote. When any such person ceases to own such property or operate a business in any of the several subdivisions included in the Ledges and surrounding area, his or her membership in the Assoc. shall automatically terminate. The Secretary or his appointed/designated helper shall maintain an up to date list of all members.

ARTICLE IX
RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES
Each resident member in good standing and his or her resident family shall be entitled to use all facilities of the Assoc. ground and other facilities, subject to the rules and regulations established by the Board of Directors. Each member shall be entitled to vote at all annual elections. Any member shall be entitled to submit a nominee for election at any annual meeting.

ARTICLE X
FEES, DUES AND CHARGES
On the first of each year, or as soon thereafter as it is practicable, the Treasurer shall make all property owners aware that the annual membership fee of $20.00 is due. This may be done in the December newsletter or via a special mailing The Assoc. will not refund any portion of annual dues to any family who sells their property and leaves the community.
ARTICLE XI
MEETINGS
An annual meeting shall be held on the second Tuesday in January at any place, as the President and Board of Directors shall designate. Special meetings shall be held at such times and local places, as the Board of Directors shall designate. Any action taken during the annual or any special meeting requires a two/thirds vote of dues paying members present at the meeting. The Board of Directors shall meet no less then once per quarter throughout the fiscal year.

ARTICLE XII
NOTICES
The secretary shall notify all current members and property owners of any special meeting (annual included) by mail, newsletter, or e-mail to each member two weeks before each meeting.

ARTICLE XIII
VOTING
Each family in good standing shall be entitled to cast one vote at all annual and special meeting of the members. No Family shall be entitled to cast more than one vote by reason of the ownership of more than one lot; however, where a family owns a lot not occupied by them as a lot owner, they may enjoy voting privileges. Balloting may be by voice vote or secret ballot, as specified by the President, but a secret ballot shall be taken on any issue submitted to the membership, on request made by the President or by ten or more members. On voice vote, any member may require a polling of the voting members on request from the meeting floor.

ARTICLE XIV
RULES OF ORDER
Except as otherwise provided herein, all meetings shall be conducted by the presiding officer in accordance with rules promulgated by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XV
RESIGNATION
Resignation from the board shall be made in writing to the Assoc. and shall become effective immediately upon acceptance by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XVI
AMENDMENTS
The Articles may be amended at any annual or special meeting upon a vote of two-thirds of those present and voting, or upon a vote of three-fourths of the members of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XVII
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Assoc. shall run from January 1st to December 31st in each year.

ARTICLE XVIII
DISSOLUTION
In the event of dissolution of the Assoc., or if the Assoc. shall cease to exist for any reason, all assets of the organization shall be sold at public auction. The proceeds, after the payment of all obligations and expenses, shall be donated to a charity or public entity as decided by the Board of Directors at its final official meeting.