The Board of Directors has proposed a few amendments of the Gladstone Community Garden Association Bylaws and the Association’s Rules and Responsibilities. These amendments are primarily to update and improve governance of the garden and set forth best practices for gardeners.  Summaries of these changes are set forth below, followed by links to the full text of each document.

 

We seek the approval of members by voting at the annual meeting on March 3.

​

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO

GLADSTONE COMMUNITY GARDEN BYLAWS

AND RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, 2026

​

Bylaws:

• Defining types of members who may be present in the garden, including:

  •  “Primary Member” who is the member of record for a Lot

  • “Secondary Member” who may be listed as an additional gardener

  • “Member in Good Standing” who has adhered to all Rules & Regulations

  • “Guest” who may have the Member’s permission to be present in the garden

• Defining other terms in the bylaws that previously were not spelled out:

  • “Rules and Regulations” being the terms governing Members and Guests

  • “Lot” or “Lots” as assigned to a Primary Member

  • “Household” which means those residing at an individual street address.

• Creating a new position on the Board of Directors—Technology Officer. Our adoption of an enhanced website and member registration and payment management system require a dedicated position to maintain these services. The Technology Officer will be elected for a two-year term on even numbered years, beginning in 2026.

• Providing for removal and replacement of officers for repeated absences from meetings, or failure to perform duties of the office, or violation of garden Rules and Responsibilities.

• Assessing a fee for failure or inability to complete required work hours, at the discretion of the board, and applying such fees to a tools and equipment fund.

        _____________________________________________________________________________________

 

Rules and Responsibilities:

This document has been heavily revised to make it easier to read and understand.  All sections and rules have been lettered and numbered to make it easier to refer to them. The following provisions and sections have been added:

• Beginning with the 2026 growing season, each householdwill be limited to one (1) full or one half lot. Members who had more than one lot prior to 2026 will be allowed to retain both lots. Board members may purchase and pay a deposit for a second lot, provided they serve a minimum of two (2) years on the board. These changes are made to accommodate more new members who are on a waiting list and to encourage members to serve on the board. (Section A(2)).

• Compost piles in dedicated bins. (B(3)).

• Prohibited Crops, Materials, and Structures—A new Section D.

• Dogs and Pets Policy—A new Section E.

• Violations and Infractions. Previous versions of the Rules did not define which policies and responsibilities were considered minor infractions, subject to notice from the Board of Directors, and which were serious violations, subject to suspension and potential removal from the garden. A new Section F.

• Pathways must be maintained at fifty (50) inches wide. (Section G(3).

• Promote a Friendly, Peaceful, and Welcoming Community--A New Section.

​

​

​