[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
The same kind of process happened with our NRP contractor whenThe statement "changed the grievance policy" might lead some to erroneously conclude that PPERRIA did awful thing to that policy.
they were faced with serious opposition. First they changed the
grievance policy,
Yes, PPERRIA did change the grievance policy. One member pointed out that our grievance policy had not been amended since it was adopted years before. The policy referred to hearing before a committee that no longer existed by that name. Assurances that the successor committee would perform the function were not acceptable. The grievance policy was amended to use the name of the successor body.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
then they changed the bylaws. In part, the changes to the bylaws: restricted membership
The statement "restricted membership" might lead some to conclude that PPERRIA membership is limited to cognoscente.With the construction of University Village, PPERRIA had a university dormitory within the neighborhood for the first time. Almost 1,000 students lived there during the school year. In response, a change was made to say that membership was open to "permanent" residents of the neighborhood. PPERRIA is an open organization and any permanent resident can and do join. The word "permanent" would not include dormitory students who, by their nature, live here for only the 9-month school year. Students living in homes and apartments in the neighborhood can and do join -- including the complainant himself.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
and eliminated the right of members to approve future bylaw changes.
The statement "eliminated the right of the members" might lead some to conclude that PPERRIA members have no rights regarding the bylaws.The bylaws read, "any vote at a regular or special membership meeting is conclusively presumed to be that of the Board of Directors." This is a reasonably artful way to ensure that the members do decide on bylaws and get around the provision of Minnesota Statutes, section 317A.181, subdivision 2, that provides that, "the power ... to amend ... the bylaws is vested in the board".
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Another change also gave the board the right to change the bylaws at any time (previously they could only be changed annually).
The statement "previously they could only be changed annually" might lead some to conclude that somehow the door was opened to mischief.The former bylaws, Article VII, provided that amendments could be voted on, "at the regular meeting...."
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
These actions and others are why have I have argued for the protection of the rights of residents. As to being able to review records, as far as I understand it, if your NRP contractor is a non-profit and you are a member then you have a right to see their books.
The statement "you have a right to see their books" might lead some to conclude that somehow PPERRIA frustrates access to information on the organization.All PPERRIA meeting are open and notice is given in a monthly newsletter and by other means. All anyone has to do to get a copy of anything is show up at a meeting and take a copy. All anyone has to do to get copies of older hand-outs and any other records is to ask for them.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
You can also sue under the Data Practices Act. However, I think that the NRP claims that neighborhood associations are exempt, but I doubt that this would hold up in court. Talk to the ACLU.
The statement "I doubt that this would hold up in court" might lead some to conclude that somehow PPERRIA really is dodging the requirements of the Data Practices Act.It is the pet theory of the author that when the government contracts with any organization, then that organization becomes government and is subject to all the laws regulating government. The reader might want to hear the argument of someone other than a non-lawyer about why there is any basis other than wishful thinking for that conclusion.
In any case, what records does the author want that have been denied?
Thank you for your time to consider these views.
Steve Cross
Prospect Park
