TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
ARTICLE 1 NAME, PRINCIPAL OFFICE, AND DEFINITIONS 1
1.1 Name 1
1.2 Principal Office 1
1.3 Definitions 1
ARTICLE 2 MEMBERSHIP:
MEETINGS, QUORUM, VOTING, PROXIES 1
2.1 Membership 1
2.2 Place of Meetings 1
2.3 Annual Meetings 1
2.4 Special Meetings 2
2.5 Notice of Meetings 2
2.6 Waiver of Notice 2
2.7 Adjournment of Meetings 2
2.8 Voting 3
2.9 Proxies 3
2.10 Majority 3
2.11 Quorum 3
2.12 Conduct of Meetings 3
2.13 Action Without a Meeting 4
ARTICLE 3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
SELECTION , MEETINGS, 4
A. Composition and Selection 4
3.1 Governing Body; Composition 4
3.2 Number of Directors 5
3.3 Directors During Class "B" Control Period 5
3.4 Nomination and Election Procedures 5
3.5 Election and Term of Office 5
3.6 Removal of Directors and Vacancies 7
B. Meetings 8
3.7 Organizational Meetings 8
3.8 Regular Meetings 8
3.9 Special Meetings 8
3.10 Notice; Waiver of Notice 8
3.11 Telephonic Participation in Meetings 8
3.12 Quorum of Board 9
3.13 Conduct of Meetings 9
3.14 Open Meetings; Executive Session 9
3.15 Action Without a Formal Meeting 9
C. Powers and Duties 10
3.16 Powers 10
3.17 Duties 10
3.18 Compensation 11
3.19 Right of Class "B" Member to Disapprove Actions 11
3.20 Management 12
3.21 Accounts and Reports 13
3.22 Borrowing 14
3.23 Right to Contract 14
3.24 Enforcement 14
3.25 Board and Officer Training 15
3.26 Board Standards 15
3.27 Conflicts of Interest, Code of Ethics 16
ARTICLE 4 OFFICERS
4.1 Officers 16
4.2 Election and Term of Office 17
4.3 Removal and Vacancies 17
4.4 Powers and Duties 17
4.5 Resignation 17
4.6 Agreements, Contracts, Deeds, Leases, Checks, Etc. 17
4.7 Compensation 17
ARTICLE 5 COMMITTEES
5.1 General 17
5.2 Covenants Committee 18
5.3 Neighborhood Committees 18
ARTICLE 6 MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Fiscal Year 18
6.2 Parliamentary Rules 18
6.3 Conflicts 19
6.4 Books and Records 19
6.5 Notices 19
6.6 Amendment 20
BY-LAWS OF FIELDSTONE FARMS OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
ARTICLE 1 NAME, PRINCIPAL OFFICE, AND DEFINITIONS
1.1 Name.
The name of the corporation is Fieldstone Farms Owners Association, Inc. (the "Association").
1.2 Principal Office.
The Association's principal office shall be located in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The Association may have such other offices, either within or outside Fieldstone Farms, as the Board of Directors may determine or as the Association's affairs may require.
1.3 Definitions.
The words used in these By-Laws shall be given their normal, commonly understood definitions. Capitalized terms shall have the same meaning as set forth in that certain Recorded Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for Fieldstone Farms as it may be amended (the "Declaration"), unless the context indicates otherwise.
ARTICLE 2 MEMBERSHIP: MEETINGS, QUORUM, VOTING, PROXIES
2.1 Membership.
The Association shall have two classes of membership, Class "A" and Class "B," as more fully set forth in the Declaration.
The provisions of the Declaration pertaining to membership are incorporated by this reference.
2.2 Place of Meetings.
Association meetings shall be held at the principal office of the Association or at such other suitable place convenient to the Members as the Board may designate.
2.3 Annual Meetings.
The Association shall hold its first meeting, whether a regular or special meeting, within one year after the date of the Association's incorporation. The Board shall set the date and time of subsequent regular annual meetings. Annual meetings may be conducted electronically (i.e.,via the Internet, intranet, or teleconference) if, and tothe extent, permitted by law.
2.4 Special Meetings.
The President may call special meetings. It shall also be the President's duty to call a special meeting if so directed by Board resolution or upon a petition signed by
Members representing at least 25% of the total Class "A" votes of the Association or at the request of the Class "B" Member.
2.5 Notice of Meetings.
Written or printed notice stating the place, day, and hour of any meeting of the Members shall be delivered, either personally or by mail, to each Owner entitled to vote at such meeting, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of such meeting, by or at the direction of the President or the Secretary or the officers or persons calling the meeting.
In the case of a special meeting or when otherwise required by statute or these By-Laws, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be stated in the notice. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting except as stated in the notice. If mailed, the notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the Unit Owner at his address as it appears on the Association's records, with postage prepaid.
2.6 Waiver of Notice.
Waiver of notice of a meeting of the Unit Owner shall be deemed the equivalent of proper notice. Any Unit Owner may waive, in writing, notice of any meeting of the Members, either before or after such meeting. Attendance at a meeting by a Unit Owner shall be deemed waiver by such Unit Owner of notice of the time, date, and place thereof, unless such Unit Owner specifically objects to lack of proper notice at the time the meeting is called to order. Attendance at a special meeting also shall be deemed waiver of notice of all business transacted at such meeting unless as to a particular item of business an objection on the basis of lack of proper notice is raised before the particular item of business is put to a vote.
2.7 Adjournment of Meetings.
If the Association cannot hold a meeting because a quorum is not present, a majority of the Members who are present at such meeting may adjourn the meeting to a time certain. At the reconvened meeting, if a quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting originally called. If a time and place for reconvening the meeting is not fixed by those in attendance at the original meeting or if for any reason a new date is fixed for reconvening the meeting after adjournment, notice of the time and place for reconvening the meeting shall be given to Members on the manner prescribed for regular meetings.
Members present at a duly called or held meeting at which a quorum is present may continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough Members to leave less than a quorum, provided that any action taken is approved by at least a majority of the votes required to constitute a quorum.
2.8 Voting.
Members' voting rights shall be as set forth in the Declaration and in these By-Laws, and such voting rights provisions are specifically incorporated by this reference.
2.9 Proxies.
Members are entitled to cast the vote for his or her Unit, such vote may be cast in person or by proxy, subject to the limitations of Georgia law relating to use of general proxies and subject to any specific provision to the contrary in the Declaration or these By-Laws.
Every proxy shall be in writing specifying the Unit for which it is given, signed by the Member or his duly authorized attorney-in-fact, dated, and filed with the Association's Secretary prior to the meeting for which it is to be effective. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the proxy, a proxy shall be presumed to cover all votes which the Unit Owner giving such proxy is entitled to cast, and in the event of any conflict between two or more proxies purporting to cover the same voting rights, the later dated proxy shall prevail, or if dated as of the same date, both shall be deemed invalid.
Every proxy shall be revocable and shall automatically cease upon: (a) conveyance of any Unit for which it was given, (b) receipt by the Secretary of written notice of revocation of the proxy or of the death or judicially declared incompetence of a Member who is a natural person, from the date of the proxy, unless a shorter period is specified in the proxy.
2.10 Majority.
As used in these By-Laws, the term "majority" shall mean those votes, Owners, or other group as the context may indicate totaling more than 50% of the total eligible number.
2.11 Quorum.
Except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws or in the Declaration, the presence of Members representing a majority of the total Class "A" votes in the Association shall constitute a quorum at all Association meetings.
2.12 Conduct of Meetings.
The President shall preside over all meetings of the Association, and the Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings and record in a minute book all resolutions adopted and all other transactions occurring at such meetings.
2.13 Action Without a Meeting.
Any action that may be taken at any annual, regular, or special meeting of Members may be taken without a meeting if the Association delivers a ballot in writing or by electronic transmission to every Member entitled to vote on the matter.
A ballot in writing or by electronic transmission shall:
(1) Set forth each proposed action; and
(2) Provide an opportunity to vote for or against each proposed action.
Approval by ballot in writing or by electronic transmission shall be valid only when the number of votes cast by ballot equals or exceeds the quorum required to be present at a meeting authorizing the action, and the number of approvals equals or exceeds the number of votes that would be required to approve the matter at a meeting at which the total number of votes cast was the same as the number of votes cast by ballot.
Approval by ballot in writing or by electronic transmission shall be valid only when the number of votes cast by ballot equals or exceeds the quorum required to be present at a meeting authorizing the action, and the number of approvals equals or exceeds the number of votes that would be required to approve the matter at a meeting at which the total number of votes cast was the same as the number of votes cast by ballot.
All solicitations for votes by ballot in writing or by electronic transmission shall:
(1) Indicate the number of responses needed to meet the quorum requirements.
(2) State the percentage of approvals necessary to approve each matter other than election of directors ; and
(3) Specify the time by which a ballot must be received by the corporation in order to be counted.
A ballot in writing or by electronic transmission may not be revoked.
ARTICLE 3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: SELECTION, MEETINGS, POWERS
A. Composition and Selection.
3.1 Governing Body; Composition.
The Board of Directors shall govern the Association's affairs, each director shall have one vote. Except for directors appointed by the Class "B" Member, directors shall be Members or residents. However, no Owner and resident representing the same Unit may serve on the Board at the same time. A "resident" shall be any natural person 18 years of age or older whose principal residence is a Unit within Fieldstone Farms. If a Member is not a natural person, any officer, director, partner or trust officer of such Member shall be eligible to serve as a director unless
otherwise specified by written notice to the Association signed by such Member. However, no Member may have more than one such representative on the Board at a time, except in the case of directors appointed by the Class "B" Member.
3. 2 Number of Directors.
The Board shall consist of three to seven directors, as provided in Sections 3.3 and 3.5. The initial Board shall consist of four directors as identified in the Articles.
3.3 Directors During Class "B" Control Period.
The Class "B" Member shall have complete discretion in appointing its directors under
Section 3.5. Class "B" Member-appointed directors shall serve at the pleasure of the Class "B" Member.
3.4 Nomination and Election Procedures.
Prior to each election of directors, the Board shall prescribe the opening date and the closing date of a reasonable filing period in which each and every eligible person who has a bona-fide interest in serving as a director may file as a candidate for any position to be filled by class "A" votes. The Board shall also establish such other rules and regulations as it deems appropriate to conduct the nomination of directors in a fair,
efficient, and cost-effective manner. Nominations also may be permitted from the floor.
Except with respect to directors selected by the Class "B" Member, a Nominating Committee may also make nominations for election to the Board. The Nominating Committee, if any, shall consist of a Chairman, who shall be a member of the Board, and three or more Members or representatives of Members, with at least one representative from each Voting Group, if any. Members of the Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the Board not less than 30 days prior to each annual meeting to serve a term of one year and until their successors are appointed, and such appointment shall be announced in the notice of each election.
The Nominating Committee may make as many nominations for election to the Board as it shall in its discretion determine. In making its nominations, the Nominating Committing shall use reasonable efforts to nominate candidates representing the diversity that exists within the pool of potential candidates. If the Declarant has created Voting Groups pursuant to Section 6.4 of the Declaration, the Nominating Committee shall then nominate separate slates for the directors, if any, to be elected at large by all Class "A" votes, and for the director(s) to be elected by the votes within each Voting Group.
The Board shall give each candidate a reasonable, equal opportunity to communicate his or her qualifications to the Members and to solicit votes.
3.5 Election and Term of Office.
Except as these By-Laws may otherwise specifically provide, election of directors shall take place at the Association's annual meeting.
Notwithstanding any other provision of these By-Laws:
(a) Within 30 days after the time that Class "A" Members other than Builders own 75%of the Units proposed by the Master Plan for the property described in Exhibits "A" and "B" of the Declaration, or whenever the Class "B" Member earlier determines, the Board shall be increased to five directors. The President shall call for an election by which the Members shall be entitled to elect one of the five directors, who shall serve as an at-large director. The remaining four directors shall be appointees of the Class "B" Member. The Director elected by the Members shall not be subject to removal by the Class "B" Member and shall be elected for at term of two years or until the happening of the event described in subsection (b), whichever is shorter. If such director's terms expire prior to the happening of the event described in subsection
(b), successors shall be elected for a like term.
(b) Within six (6) months after termination of the Class "B" Control Period, the President shall call for an election by which the Members shall be entitled to elect three of the five directors, who shall serve as at-large directors. The remaining two directors shall be appointees of the Class "B"
Member. Directors elected by the Members shall not be subject to removal by the Class "B" Member and shall serve until the first annual meeting following the termination of the Class "B" Control Period. If such annual meeting is scheduled to occur within 90 days after termination of the Class "B" Control Period, this subsection shall not apply and directors shall be elected in accordance with subsection (c).
(c) Not later than the first annual meeting after the termination of the Class "B" Control Period, the Board shall be increased to seven. directors and an election shall be held. Six directors shall be elected by the Members, with an equal number of directors elected by the Members representing each Voting Group, if any, and any remaining directorships filled at large by the vote of all Members. Three directors shall serve a term of two years and three directors shall serve a term of one year, as such directors determine among themselves. Until termination of the Class "B" membership, the Class "B" Member shall be entitled to appoint one director. Upon termination of the Class "B" membership, the director elected by the Class "B" Member shall resign and the remaining directors shall be entitled to appoint a director to serve until the next annual meeting, at which time the Members shall be entitled to elect a director to fill such position. Such director shall be elected for a term of two years.
Upon expiration of the term of office of each director elected by the Members, Members entitled to elect such director shall be entitled to elect a successor to serve a term of two years. Directors elected by the Members shall hold office until their respective successors have been elected.
Initial Within 30 Days Within 6 Months First Annual Meeting Termination
of When 75% of Termination of After Termination of of Class "B"
of Units I Class "B" Class "B" Control Membership
Sold to Control Period Period
Homeowners
Class "B" Class "A" Class "A" Class "A" Class "A"
Class "B" Class "B" Class "A" Class "A" Class "A"
Class "B" Class "B" Class "A" Class "A" Class "A"
Class "B" Class "B" Class "B" Class "A" Class "A"
Class "B" Class "B" Class "A" Class "A"
Class "A" Class "A"
Class "B" Class "A"
3.6 Removal of Directors and Vacancies.
Any director elected by the Members may be removed, with or without cause, by the vote of Members holding a majority of the votes entitled to be cast for the election of such director. Any director whose removal is sought shall be given notice prior to any meeting called for that purpose. Upon removal of a director, a successor shall be elected by the Members entitled to elect the director so removed to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term of such director.
Any director elected by the Members who has three consecutive unexcused absences from Board meetings, or who is more than 30 days delinquent (or is the representative of a Member who is so delinquent) in the payment of any assessment or other charge due the Association, may be removed by a majority of the directors present at a regular or special meeting at which a quorum is present, and the Board may appoint a successor to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.
In the event of the death, disability, or resignation of a director, the Board may declare a vacancy and appoint a successor to fill the vacancy until the next annual meeting, at which time the Members entitled to fill such directorship may elect a successor for the remainder of the term.
If the Declarant has created Voting Groups pursuant to Section 6.4 of the Declaration, any director whom the Board appoints shall be selected from among Members within the Voting Group represented by the director who vacated the position.
This Section shall not apply to directors appointed by the Class "B" Member or to any director serving as Declarant's representative. The Class "B" Member or Declarant shall be entitled to appoint a successor to fill any vacancy on the Board resulting from the death, disability or resignation of a director appointed by or elected as a representative of the Class "B" Member or Declarant.
B. Meetings.
3.7 Organizational Meetings.
The first Board meeting following each annual meeting of the membership shall be held within 10 days thereafter at such time and place as the Board shall fix.
3.8 Regular Meetings.
Regular Board meetings may be held at such time and place as a majority of the directors shall determine, but at least four such meetings shall be held during each fiscal year with at least one per quarter.
3.9 Special Meetings.
Special meetings of the Board shall be held when called by written notice signed by the President or Vice President or by any two directors.
3.10 Notice; Waiver of Notice.
(a) Notices of Board meetings shall specify the time and place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, the nature of any special business to be considered. The notice shall be given to each director by: (i) personal delivery; (ii) first class mail, postage prepaid; (iii) telephone communication, either directly to the director or to a person at the director's office or home who would reasonably be expected to communicate such notice promptly to the director; or (iv) facsimile, computer, fiber optics or other electronic communication device, with confirmation of transmission. All such notices shall be given at the director's telephone number, fax number, electronic mail number, or sent to the director's address as shown on the records of the Association. Notices sent by first class mail shall be deposited into a United States mailbox at least five business days before the time set for the meeting. Notices given by personal delivery, telephone, or other device shall be delivered or transmitted at least 72 hours before the time set for the meeting.
(b) Transactions of any Board meeting, however called and noticed or wherever held, shall be as valid as though taken at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice if (i) aquorum is present, and (ii) either before or after the meeting each director not present signs a written waiver of notice, a consent to holding the meeting, or an approval of the minutes. The waiver of notice or consent need not specify the purpose of the meeting. Notice of a meeting also shall be deemed given to any director who attends the meeting without protesting before or at its commencement about the lack of adequate notice.
3.11 Telephonic Participation in Meetings.
Members of the Board or any committee designated by the Board may participate in a meeting of the Board or committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment, by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other.
Participation in a meeting pursuant to this subsection shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
3.12 Quorum of Board.
At all Board meetings, a majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the votes of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute the Board's decision, unless otherwise specifically provided ·in these By-Laws or the Declaration. A meeting at which a quorum is initially present may continue to transact business, notwithstanding the withdrawal of directors, if any action taken is approved by at least a majority of the required quorum for that meeting. If any Board meeting cannot be held because a quorum is not present, a majority of the directors present at such meeting may adjourn the meeting to a time certain. If a quorum is present at the reconvened meeting, any business which might have been transacted at the meeting originally called may be transacted without further notice.
3.13 Conduct of Meetings.
The President shall preside over all Board meetings, and the Secretary shall keep a minute book of Board meetings, recording all Board resolutions and all transactions and proceedings occurring at such meetings.
3.14 Open Meetings; Executive Session.
(a) Except in an emergency, notice of Board meetings shall be posted at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at a conspicuous place within Fieldstone Farms which the Board establishes for the posting of notices relating to the Association. Notice of any meeting at which assessments are to be established shall state that fact and the nature of the assessment. Subject to the provisions of Section 3.15,all Board meetings shall be open to all Members and, if required by law, all Owners; but attendees other than directors may not participate in any discussion or deliberation unless a director requests that they be granted permission to speak. In such case, the President may limit the time any such individual may speak.
(b) Notwithstanding the above, the President may adjourn any meeting of the Board and reconvene in executive session, and may exclude persons other than directors, to discuss matters of a sensitive nature, such as pending or threatened litigation, personnel matters, etc.
3.15 Action Without a Formal Meeting.
Any action to be taken at a meeting of the directors or any action that may be taken at a meeting of the directors may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by all of the directors, and such consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote.
C. Powers and Duties.
3.16 Powers.
The Board shall have all of the powers and duties necessary for the administration of the Association's affairs and for performing all responsibilities and exercising all rights of the Association as set forth in the Governing Documents, and as provided by law. The Board may do
or cause to be done on behalf of the Association all acts and things except those the Governing Documents or Georgia law require to be done and exercised exclusively by the Members or the membership generally.
3.17 Duties.
The Board's duties shall include, without limitation:
(a) preparing and adopting, in accordance with the Declaration, an annual budget establishing each Owner's share of the Common Expenses and any Neighborhood Expenses;
(b) levying and collecting such assessments from the Owners;
(c) providing for the operation, care, upkeep, and maintenance of the Area of Common Responsibility consistent with the Community- Wide Standard;
(d)designating, hiring, and dismissing personnel necessary to carry out the Association's rights and responsibilities and where appropriate, providing for compensation of such personnel and for the purchase of equipment, supplies, and materials to be used by such personnel in the performance of their duties;
(e) depositing all funds received on behalf of the Association in a bank depository which it shall approve, and using such funds to operate the association; provided, any reserve funds may be deposited, in the Board's best judgment, in depositories other than banks;
(f) making and amending use restrictions and rules in accordance with the Declaration;
(g) opening bank accounts on behalf of the Association and designating the signatories required;
(h) making or contracting for the making of repairs, additions, and improvements to or alterations of the Common Area in accordance with the Declaration and these By-Laws;
(i) enforcing by legal means the provisions of the Governing Documents and bringing any proceedings which may be instituted on behalf of or against the Owners concerning the Association; provided, the Association's obligation in this regard shall be conditioned in the manner provided in the Declaration;
(j) obtaining and carrying property and liability insurance and fidelity bonds, as provided in the Declaration, paying the cost thereof, and filing and adjusting claims, as appropriate;
(k) paying the cost of all services rendered to the Association;
(1) keeping books with detailed accounts of the Association's receipts and expenditures;
(m) making available to any prospective purchaser of a Unit, any Owner, and the holders, insurers, and guarantors of any Mortgage on any Unit, current copies of the Governing Documents and all other books, records, and financial statements of the Association as provided in Section 6.4;
(n) permitting utility suppliers to use portions of the Common Area reasonably necessary to the ongoing development or operation of the Properties;
(0) indemnifying a director, officer or committee member, or former director, officer or committee member of the Association to the extent such indemnity is required by Georgia law, the Articles of Incorporation or the Declaration; and
(p) assisting in the resolution of disputes between owners and others without litigation, as set forth in the Declaration.
3.18 Compensation.
The Association shall not compensate any Director for acting as such unless approved by Members representing a majority of the total Class "A" votes in the Association. Any director may be reimbursed for expenses incurred on behalf of the Association upon approval of a majority of the other directors. Nothing herein shall prohibit the Association from compensating a director, or any entity with which a director is affiliated, for services or supplies furnished to the Association in a capacity other than as a director pursuant to a contract or agreement with the Association, provided that such director's interest was made known to the Board prior to entering into such contract and such contract was approved by a majority of the Board, excluding the interested director.
3.19 Rights of Class "B" Member to Disapprove Actions.
So long as the Class "B" membership exists, the Class "B" Member shall have a right to disapprove any proposed action to be considered at a meeting, policy or program of the Association, the Board and any committee which, in the sole judgment of the Class "B" Member, would tend to impair rights of Declarant or Builders under the Declaration or these By-Laws, or interfere with development or construction of any portion of Fieldstone Farms, or diminish the level of services being provided by the Association.
(a) Notice. The Association, the Board, and each committee shall give the Class "B" Member written notice of all meetings and proposed actions approved at meetings (or by written consent in lieu of a meeting). Such notice shall be given by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal delivery at the address it has registered with the Association's Secretary, which notice complies as to Board meetings with Sections 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, and 3.11 and which notice shall, except in the case of the regular meetings held pursuant to the By-Laws, set forth with reasonable particularity the agenda to be followed at such meeting; and
(b) Opportunity to be Heard. The Association, the Board, and each committee shall give the Class "B" Member the opportunity at any meeting to join in or to have its representatives or agents join in discussion from the floor of any prospective action, policy, or program which would be subject to the right of disapproval set forth herein.
No action, policy or program subject to the right of disapproval set forth herein shall become effective or be implemented until and unless the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) have been met.
The Class "B" Member, its representatives or agents shall make its concerns, thoughts, and suggestions known to the Board and or the members of the subject committee. The Class "B" Member, acting through any officer or director, agent or authorized representative, may exercise its right to disapprove at any time within 10 days following the meeting at which such action was proposed or, in the case of any action taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting, at any time within 10 days following receipt of written notice of the proposed action. This right to disapprove may be used to block proposed actions but shall not include a right to require any action or counteraction on behalf of any committee, the Board, or the Association. The Class "B" Member shall not use its right to disapprove to reduce the level of services which the Association is obligated to provide or to prevent capital repairs or any expenditure required to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
3.20 Management.
The Board may employ a professional management agent or agents at such compensation as the Board may establish, to perform such duties and services as the Board shall authorize. The Board may delegate such powers as are necessary to perform the manager's assigned duties, but shall not delegate policy-making authority or those duties set forth in Sections 3.17(a) (with respect to adoption of the budget), 3.17(b), 3.1 7(f), 3.17(g) and 3.17(i). Declarant or its affiliate may be employed as managing agent or manager.
The Board may delegate to one of its members the authority to act on the Board's behalf on all matters relating to the duties of the managing agent or manager, if any, which might arise between Board meetings.
The Association shall not be bound, either directly or indirectly, by any management contract executed during the Class "B" Control Period unless such contract contains a right of termination that the Association may exercise, with or without cause and without penalty, at any time after termination of the Class "B" Control Period upon not more than 90 days' written notice.
3.21 Accounts and Reports.
The following management standards of performance shall be followed unless the Board by resolution specifically determines otherwise:
(a) accrual accounting, as defined by generally accepted accounting principles, shall be employed;
(b) accounting and controls should conform to generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) cash accounts of the Association shall not be commingled with any other accounts;
(d) the managing agent shall not accept remuneration from vendors, independent contractors, or others providing goods or services to the Association, whether in the form of commissions, finder's fees, service fees, prizes, gifts, or otherwise; the Association shall benefit from any thing of value received;
(e) any financial or other interest the managing agent may have in any firm providing goods or services to the Association shall be disclosed promptly to the Board;
(f) commencing at the end of the quarter in which the first Unit is sold and closed financial reports shall be prepared for the Association at least quarterly containing:
(i) an income statement reflecting all income and expense activity for the preceding period on an accrual basis;
(ii) a statement reflecting all cash receipts and disbursements for the preceding period;
(iii) a variance report reflecting the status of all accounts in an "actual" versus "approved" budget format
(iv) a balance sheet as of the last day of the preceding period; and
(v) a delinquency report listing all Owners who are delinquent in paying any assessments at the time of the report and describing the status of any action to collect such assessments which remain delinquent (any assessment or installment thereof shall be considered to be delinquent on the 15th day following the due date unless otherwise specified by Board resolution); and
(g) an annual report consisting of at least the following shall be made available to all Members within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year: (i) a balance sheet; (ii) an operating (income) statement; and (iii) a statement of changes in financial position for the fiscal year. Such annual report shall be prepared on an audited, reviewed, or compiled basis, as the Board determines, by an independent public accountant; provided, upon written request of any holder, guarantor or insurer of any first Mortgage on a Unit, the Association shall provide an audited financial statement.
3.22 Borrowing.
The Association may borrow money for any legal purpose; provided, the Board shall obtain Voting Member approval in the same manner provided in the Declaration for Special Assessments if the proposed borrowing is for the purpose of making discretionary capital improvements and the total amount of such borrowing, together with all other debt incurred within the previous 12-month period, exceeds or would exceed 10% of the Association's budgeted gross expenses for that fiscal year. During the Class "B" Control Period, no Mortgage lien shall be placed on any portion of the Common Area without the affirmative vote or written consent, or any combination thereof, of Members representing at least 51% of the total Class "A" votes.
3.23 Right to Contract.
The Association shall have the right to contract with any Person for the performance of various duties and functions. This right shall include, without limitation, the right to enter into common management, operational, or other agreements with trusts, condominiums, cooperatives, or Neighborhood and other owners or residents associations, within and outside Fieldstone Farms. Any common management agreement shall require the consent of a majority of the Board.
3.24 Enforcement.
The Association may impose sanctions for any violation of the Governing Documents. To the extent specifically required by the Declaration, the Board shall comply with the following procedures prior to imposition of sanctions:
(a) Notice. The Board or its delegate shall serve the alleged violator with written notice describing (i) the nature of the alleged violation, (ii) the proposed sanction to be imposed, (iii) a period of not less than 10 days within which the alleged violator may present a written re
quest for a hearing to the Board; and (iv) a statement that the proposed sanction shall be imposed as contained in the notice unless a challenge is begun within 10 days of the notice. If a timely request for a hearing is not made, the sanction stated in the notice shall be imposed; provided the Board may, but shall not be obligated to, suspend any proposed sanction if the violation is cured within the 10-day period. Such suspension shall not constitute a waiver of the right to sanction future violations of the same or other provisions and rules by any Person.
(b) Hearing. If a hearing is requested within the allotted 1O-day period, the hearing shall be held before the Board in executive session. The alleged violator shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard. Prior to the effectiveness of any sanction hereunder, proof of proper notice shall be placed in the minutes of the meeting. Such proof shall be deemed adequate if a copy of the notice, together with a statement of the date and manner of delivery, is entered by the officer, director, or agent who delivered such notice. The notice requirement shall be deemed satisfied if the alleged violator or its representative appears at the meeting. The minutes of the meeting shall contain a written statement of the results of the hearing and the sanction, if any, imposed.
(c) Additional Enforcement Right. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article, the Board may elect to enforce any provision of the Governing Documents by self-help (specifically including, but not limited to, towing vehicles that violate parking rules) or, following compliance with the dispute resolution procedures set forth in the Declaration, if applicable, by suit at law or in equity to enjoin any violation or to recover monetary damages or both, without the necessity of compliance with the procedure set forth above. In any such action, to the maximum extent permissible, the Owner or occupant responsible for the violation of which abatement is sought shall pay all costs, including reasonable attorney's fees actually incurred. Any entry onto a Unit for purposes of exercising this power of self-help shall not be deemed as trespass.
3.25 Board and Officer Training.
The Board may conduct or provide for seminars and continuing educational opportunities designed to educate and inform its officers and directors of their responsibilities as officers and directors. Such programs may include instruction on applicable Georgia corporate and fiduciary law principles, other issues relating to administering community affairs, and upholding and enforcing the Governing Documents. The Board may retain industry professionals, which may include property managers, attorneys, and accountants, as appropriate or necessary for such purpose. Each newly elected officer and director shall complete a training seminar within the first six months of assuming such position. The seminar may be live, video or audiotape, or in other format.
In a similar manner, the Board may provide or provide for Owner and resident education and training opportunities designed to foster awareness of Fieldstone Farms governance, operations, and concerns. The Board shall conduct or provide for training and information classes designed to educate Neighborhood Representatives and Class "A" Members of the nomination, election, and voting processes and the duties and responsibilities of directors and officers, as provided in
Section 3.4.
3.26 Board Standards.
In the performance of their duties, Association directors and officers shall be insulated from personal liability as provided by Georgia law for directors and officers of nonprofit corporations, and as otherwise provided in the Governing Documents. Directors are required to exercise the ordinary and reasonable care of directors of a corporation, subject to .the business judgment rule.
As defined herein, a director shall be acting in accordance with the business judgment rule so long as the director (a) acts within the express or implied terms of the Governing Documents and his or her actions are not ultra vires (i.e., outside the scope of the director's authority); (b) affirmatively undertakes to make decisions which are necessary for the Association's continued and successful operation and, when decisions are made, they are made on an informed basis; (c) acts on a disinterested basis, promptly discloses any real or potential conflict of interests (pecuniary or other), and avoids participation in decisions and actions when a conflict exists; and (d) acts in a non-fraudulent manner and without reckless indifference to the Association's affairs. A director acting in accordance with the business judgment rule shall be protected from personal liability.
Board determinations of the meaning, scope, and application of Governing Documents provisions shall be upheld and enforced so long as such determinations are reasonable. The Board shall exercise its power in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner and shall adhere to the procedures established in the Governing Documents.
3.27 Conflicts of Interest, Code of Ethics.
Unless otherwise approved by a majority of the other directors, no Class "A" Director may enter into a contract or otherwise transact business with a contractor of the Association during his or her term as director or within two years after the term expires if the value of such contract is greater than $1,500. A director shall promptly disclose in writing to the Board any actual or potential conflict of interest affecting the directors relative to his or her performance as a director. A director's failure to make such disclosure shall be grounds for removal by a majority vote of the other Board members. The Board may void any contract which creates a prohibited conflict of interest.
Notwithstanding the above, directors appointed by the Class "B" Member may be employed by or otherwise transact business with Declarant or any affiliate of Declarant, and Declarant and its affiliates may transact business with the Association or its contractors.
ARTICLE 4 OFFICERS
4.1 Officers.
The Association's officers shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The President and Secretary shall be elected from among Board members; other officers may, but need not be Board members. The Board may appoint such other officers, including one or more Assistant Secretaries and one or more Assistant Treasurers, as it shall deem desirable, such officers to have such authority and perform such duties as the Board prescribes. The same person may hold any two or more offices, except the offices of President and Secretary.
4.2 Election and Term of Office.
The Board shall elect the Association's officers at the first Board meeting following each annual meeting of the Members, to serve until their successors are elected.
4.3 Removal and Vacancies.
The Board may remove any officer whenever in its judgment the best interests of the Association will be served, and may fill any vacancy in any office arising because of death, resignation, removal, or otherwise, for the unexpired portion of the term.
4.4 Powers and Duties.
The Association's officers shall each have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, as well as such powers and duties as may specifically be conferred or imposed by the Board. The President shall be the Association's chief executive officer. The Treasurer shall have primary responsibility for preparation of the budget as provided for in the Declaration and may delegate all or part of the preparation and notification duties to a finance committee management agent, or both.
4.5 Resignation.
Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board, the President, or the Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect on the date of the receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein, and unless otherwise specified therein, acceptance of such
resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
4.6 Agreements, Contracts, Deeds, Leases, Checks, Etc.
The President, Vice-President or such other person(s) as the Board may designate shall execute the Association's agreements, contracts, deeds, leases, and other instruments.
4.7 Compensation.
Compensation of officers shall be subject to the same limitations as compensation of directors under Section 3.18.
ARTICLE 5 COMMITTEES
5.1 General.
The Board may appoint such committees as it deems appropriate to perform such tasks and to serve for such periods as the Board may designate by resolution. Each committee shall operate in accordance with the terms of such resolution.
5.2 Covenants Committee.
In addition to any other committees the Board may establish pursuant to Section 5.1, the Board may appoint a Covenants Committee consisting of at least three and no more than seven Members. Acting in accordance with the provisions of the Declaration, these By-Laws, and resolutions the Board may adopt, the Covenants Committee, if established, shall be the hearing tribunal of the Association and shall conduct all hearings held pursuant to Section 3.24.
5.3 Neighborhood Committees.
In addition to any other committees appointed as provided above, each Neighborhood which has no formal organizational structure or association may elect a Neighborhood Committee to determine the nature and extent of services, if any, to be provided to the Neighborhood by the Association in addition to those provided to all Members of the Association in accordance with the Declaration. A Neighborhood Committee may advise the Board on any other issue but shall not have the authority to bind the Board. Such Neighborhood Committees, if elected, shall consist of three to five Members, as determined by the vote of at least 51 % of the Owners of Units within the Neighborhood.
Neighborhood Committee members shall be elected for a term of one year or until their successors are elected. Any director elected to the Board from a Neighborhood shall be an ex-officer member of the Neighborhood Committee. The Voting Member representing such Neighborhood shall be the chairperson of the Neighborhood Committee, shall preside at its meetings, and shall be responsible for transmitting any and all communications to the Board.
In the conduct of its duties and responsibilities, each Neighborhood Committee shall abide by the notice and quorum requirements applicable to the Board under Sections 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, and 3.11. Meetings of a Neighborhood Committee shall be open to all Owners of Units in
the Neighborhood and their representatives. Members of a Neighborhood Committee may act by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting.
ARTICLE 6 MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Fiscal Year.
The Association's fiscal year shall be the calendar year unless the Board establishes a different fiscal year by resolution.
6.2 Parliamentary Rules.
Except as may be modified by Board resolution, Robert's Rules of Order (current edition) shall govern the conduct of Association proceedings when not in conflict with Georgia law or the Governing Documents.
6.3 Conflicts.
If there are conflicts among the provisions of Georgia law, the Articles of Incorporation, the Declaration, and these By-Laws, the provisions of Georgia law, the Declaration, the Articles of Incorporation, and the By-Laws (in that order) shall prevail.
6.4 Books and Records.
(a) Inspection by Members and Mortgagees. The Board shall make available for inspection and copying by any holder, insurer or guarantor of a first Mortgage on a Unit, any Member, or the duly appointed representative of any of the foregoing at any reasonable time and for a purpose reasonably related to his or her interest in a Unit: the Governing Documents, the membership register, books of account, and the minutes of meetings of the Members, the Board, and committees. The Board shall provide for such inspection to take place at the Association's office or at such other place within Fieldstone Farms as the Board shall designate.
(b) Rules for Inspection. The Board shall establish rules with respect to (i) notice to be given to the custodian of the records; (ii) hours and days of the week when such an inspection may be made; and (iii) payment of the cost of reproducing documents requested.
(c) Inspection by Directors. Every director shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, and documents of the Association and the physical properties owned or controlled by the Association. A director's right of inspection includes the right to make a copy of relevant documents at the Association's expense.
6.5 Notices.
Except as otherwise provided in thee Declaration or these By-Laws, all notices, demands, bills, statements, or other communications under the Declaration or these By-Laws shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by United States mail, first class postage prepaid:
(a) if to a Member or Voting Member, at the address which the Member or Voting Member has designated in writing and filed with the Secretary or, if no such address has been designated, at the address of the Unit of such Member or Voting Member;
(b) if to the Association, the Board, or the managing agent, at the principal office of the Association or the managing agent or at such other address as shall be designated by notice in writing to the Members pursuant to this Section; or
(c) if to any committee, at the principal address of the Association or at such other address as shall be designated by notice in writing to the Members pursuant to this Section.
6.6 Amendment.
(a) By Class "B" Member. Prior to termination of the Class "B" Control Period, the Class "B" Member may unilaterally amend these By-Laws. Thereafter, the Class "B" Member may unilaterally amend these By-Laws at any time and from time to time if such amendment is necessary (i) to bring any provision into compliance with any applicable governmental statute, rule or regulation, or judicial determination; (ii) to enable any reputable title insurance company to issue title insurance coverage on the Units; or (iii) to enable any institutional or governmental lender, purchaser, insurer or guarantor of mortgage loans, including, for example, the Federal National Mortgage Association or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, to make, purchase, insure or guarantee mortgage loans on the Units. However, any such amendment shall not adversely affect the title to any Unit unless the Owner shall consent thereto in writing. So long as the Class "B" membership exists, the Class "B" Member may unilaterally amend these By-Laws for any other purpose, provided the amendment has no material adverse effect upon an right of any Member.
(b) By Members Generally. Except as provided above, these By-Laws may be amended only by the affirmative vote or written consent, or any combination thereof, of Members representing 51 % of the total Class" A" votes in the Association, and the consent of the Class "B" Member, if such exists. In addition, the approval requirements set forth in the Declaration shall be met, if applicable. Notwithstanding the above, the percentage of votes necessary to amend a specific clause shall not be less than the prescribed percentage of affirmative votes required for action to be taken under that clause.
(c) Validity and Effective Date of Amendments. Amendments to these By-Laws shall become effective upon Recordation unless a later effective date is specified therein. Any procedural challenge to an amendment must be made within six months of its Recordation, or such amendment shall be presumed to have been validly adopted. In no event shall a change of conditions or circumstances operate to amend any provisions of these By-Laws.
No amendment may remove, revoke, or modify any right or privilege of Declarant or the Class "B" Member without the written consent of Declarant, the Class "B" Member, or the a s signee of such right or privilege.
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