Rules and Governance
Governance
1
The garden will be governed by a Steering Committee of no fewer than five members who are elected annually (or term limited) during the winter recess or at the opening meeting. Major garden decisions influencing the layout, design, planning, and programming of the garden will be decided by the membership by simple majority. The Steering Committee will settle disputes, conduct meetings, and oversee the allotment of individual plots.
GreenThumb
2
The GreenThumb coordinator and alternate will remain in place until a replacement is required.
Committee Membership
3
As a member, you must participate actively in at least one (1) garden committee, in addition to working in your own bed. A brief description outlines the primary duties of each committee.
Each committee may have a chair or chairs elected by the committee members on an annual basis. Where no volunteer chair exists, the steering committee may appoint one from within the committee by May 1st of the current year.
Communal Gardens
4
Only members assigned to the communal beds may plant or remove plants. Others are encouraged to plant and work, provided they contact the Communal Gardens Committee heads. In times of drought, all members will be asked to help water the lawns and communal gardens.
Monthly Meetings and Workdays
5
Members are required to attend meetings/workdays held from March until December. If members cannot attend, they must contact the Steering Committee for individual projects or write to the garden email. Members who do not attend workdays, or who don’t make alternate work plans with Steering Committee or committee chairs, could be asked to give up their beds
Children and Minors
6
All children under 16 must be accompanied by adults while in the garden. Parents are responsible for the actions in the garden of all minors under 18. Children will not be permitted in garden areas when power tools are in use.
Pets
7
Leashed dogs and other pets, accompanied by their owners, will be permitted if they are neither destructive to property nor hostile to the garden community. Urinating & defecating is not permitted.
Special and Private Events
8
Special community events will be permitted in the garden with the consent of the Steering Committee when scheduled in advance.
Sound levels during events, including barbecuing, must be kept to a reasonable (non-disturbing) volume out of respect for the surrounding community
Grilling/BBQ
9
After using the barbecue grill, members are responsible for cleaning the patio area, removing all garbage, thoroughly cleaning all grills and disposing of any ash and leftover briquettes before noon on the following day.
Alcohol
10
Visible alcohol use and/or disorderly conduct are prohibited in the garden.
Theft
11
Unauthorized picking or pruning another member’s plot may result in immediate loss of membership privileges.
Pesticides
12
Use of non-organic pesticides and herbicides is not permitted anywhere.
Expenditures and Reimbursement
13
Garden purchases require advance permission by the Steering Committee. Currently all purchases require Steering Commmitee approval.