How much are the dues?

Membership shall be accessible to all neighbors regardless of financial status. Funding shall be primarily based on voluntary donations.

If the membership elects to institute dues, they shall be structured as "Pay-What-You-Can" to ensure no neighbor is excluded due to financial hardship.

When are the meetings?

General Membership Meetings.

Regular meetings of the General Membership shall be held at least quarterly to bring neighborhood concerns to the Board and vote on official MPNO business. One meeting will be the Annual Meeting for the purposes of electing board members.

Board Meetings.

The Board of Directors shall meet at least bi-monthly (every other month) to oversee executive strategy and management.

Notice Period.

Notice of General Membership meetings shall be provided to all households at least fourteen (14) days in advance. Board meetings require fourteen (14) days notice.

If I own three houses in the neighborhood, why do I only get one vote?

Our goal is to ensure that the MPNO represents the people of Morse Park, not just the real estate. To keep the organization democratic and equitable, we follow a 'one person, one vote' rule. This prevents any single property owner from having an outsized influence over neighborhood decisions. 

I rent my home - do I really have a say, or is this just for homeowners?

You absolutely have a say. In fact, our bylaws (Article IV, Section 2) give Resident Priority. If you live in the neighborhood, you are the primary holder of that household’s vote. We believe those who live here daily are the most impacted by neighborhood changes and should have the strongest voice. 

What if I live outside the Boundaries?

You're a Friend of Morse Park! You are welcome at our meetings. While we may have common interests, but voting is limited to those within the boundaries of the Morse Park neighborhood. The neighborhood is bordered by W. 26th Ave (north), Wadsworth Blvd (east), W. Colfax Ave (south), and Kipling St (west)

What happens if only 5 people show up to a meeting? Can they change the rules?

Governance - Who does what?

1. The General Membership (The Neighbors)

• The Foundation of Authority: This group holds the ultimate power of the organization.

• Voting Rights: Elect the Board of Directors and approve all Bylaw changes.

• Meeting Frequency: Meet at least quarterly to bring concerns (safety, zoning, events) to the Board.

• Meeting Notice: Entitled to a 14-day notice for all voting sessions.

• Power Structure: One vote per household, with priority given to residents.

• Dues: Decide on "Pay-What-You-Can" funding models to ensure inclusivity.

2. The Board of Directors

• Executive Oversight: Legally responsible for the non-profit's funds and future 501(c)(3) status.

• Meetings: Meet at least bi-monthly to handle official MPNO business.

• Policy & Strategy: Vote on official stances regarding city developments/rezoning and manage expenditures over $100.

• Composition: Consists of 3 Founding Officers and up to 8 At-Large Directors representing specific neighborhood areas.

• Focus: Direct neighborhood connection, leading community-driven committees.

What are the Bylaws?

BYLAWS OF MORSE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION (MPNO)

ARTICLE I: NAME AND BOUNDARIES

Section 1. Name. 

The name of this nonprofit corporation is the Morse Park Neighborhood Organization (MPNO).

Section 2. Boundaries. 

The MPNO serves the area in Lakewood, Colorado, bounded by: 

• North: W. 26th Avenue

• South: W. Colfax Avenue

• East: Wadsworth Boulevard

• West: Kipling Street.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE AND COMPLIANCE

Section 1. Purpose. 

The MPNO is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to improve neighborhood safety, advocate for responsible zoning that aligns with our stated mission, vision, and core values, and foster community engagement. 

Section 2. 501(c)(3) Compliance. 

All activities shall be conducted in compliance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of any private individual. 

Section 3. Dissolution. 

Upon dissolution, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Voting Members. 

Membership is open to any person who resides within the boundaries or owns residential property within the boundaries of the MPNO.

Section 2. Business Members (Non-Voting). 

Membership is open to any business or commercial property owner within the boundaries. Business members may participate in meetings and discussions but shall not possess voting rights unless the business owner or designated representative independently qualifies as a Voting Member under Section 1 of this Article.

Section 3. Dues & Contributions. 

Membership shall be accessible to all neighbors regardless of financial status. Funding shall be primarily based on voluntary donations.

If the membership elects to institute dues, they shall be structured as "Pay-What-You-Can" to ensure zero financial barriers to participation.

Section 4. Member in Good Standing. 

A Voting Member is considered in "good standing" if they reside or own residential property with the established MPNO boundaries and attend at least one (1) meeting per year. Only members in good standing are eligible to cast the a household vote or serve on the Board.

ARTICLE IV: VOTING

Section 1. One Vote Per Household. 

To ensure equitable representation, voting power across all general neighborhood matters is strictly limited to one (1) vote per household unit. 

Section 2. Resident Priority. 

In the case of rental properties, the primary right to the household vote belongs to the residents (tenants) currently occupying the unit. 

Section 3. No Multiple Voting. 

No individual may cast more than one vote. Individuals who own multiple residential properties or businesses within the boundaries are limited to a single vote. In cases of multi-property ownership, the vote shall be tied to the individual's primary residence, provided that no individual may exercise a vote for a property where a tenant has priority voting rights under Section 2 of this Article.

ARTICLE V: GOVERNANCE & OFFICERS

Section 1. Board Composition. 

The Board shall consist of three (3) Founding Officers and up to eight (8) At-Large Directors.

Section 2. Fiduciary Oversight.

The Board is responsible for protecting organization assets and maintaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. All expenditures exceeding $100 require a majority Board vote for approval. 

Section 3. Resignation.

Any Director of Officer may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the President or the Secretary. The resignation is effective when the notice is delivered unless a later effective date is specified within the notice.

Section 4. Termination (Removal).

A Director may be removed with cause by a strict two-thirds (2/3) vote of the remaining Board members then in office. Grounds for removal with cause include:

• Missing three (3) consecutive Board meetings without prior notice.

• Failure to protect organization assets or maintain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

• Direct violation of established voting procedures.

Additionally, if any Director or Officer permanently relocates their primary residence outside the established boundaries of the MPNO, their position on the Board shall be deemed automatically vacated as of the date of their relocation.

Section 5. Vacancies.

The Board has the authority to fill any vacancy occurring on the Board by a majority vote of the remaining Directors. The individual appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term or their predecessor. 

Section 6. Officers.

President: Serves as the chief spokesperson, general administrator,  and primary liaison to the City of Lakewood.

Vice President: Serves as project manager and performs the duties of the presiding officer in the President’s absence or incapacity.

Secretary/Treasurer: Acts as custodian of corporate records, meeting minutes, the official Voting Roll, and financial bank accounts.

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS & NOTICE

Section 1. General Membership Meetings. 

General membership meetings shall be held at least quarterly. One meeting per calendar year shall be the Annual Meeting for the purpose of electing officers. 

Section 2. Board Meetings. 

The Board of Directors shall meet at least bimonthly (every other month). Meetings may be held in person or via teleconference/digital platform, provided all participating directors can simultaneously hear and communicate with each other. A meeting held via teleconference satisfies all the physical presence requirements and constitutes a valid meeting for all purposes, including the transaction of business and voting.

Section 3. Notice Period.

Notice of General Membership meetings shall be provided to all households at least fourteen (14) days in advance. Board meetings require fourteen (14) days notice. Notice is valid if provided via at least two methods: email, website posting, or physical neighborhood signage. 

Section 4. Quorum. The requirements for establishing a legal quorum are:

General Membership: A quorum for the transaction of business at any General Membership meeting shall consist of a minimum of ten (10) voting members-at-large (households not represented by current Board members) or one-third (1/3) of the total voting members in attendance at the previous meeting, whichever is greater. 

Board of Directors: A quorum for Board meetings shall consist of a simple majority of the Directors currently serving in office.

ARTICLE VII: CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Section 1. Purpose. 

The purpose of this article is to protect the organization's interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private financial interest of an officer or director.

Section 2. Duty to Disclose. 

Any Board member who has a direct or indirect financial or personal interest in a transaction or matter pending before the Board must fully disclose all material facts to the Directors. The interested Board member must recuse themselves from both the final discussion and the vote regarding the matter.

ARTICLE VII: INDEMNIFICATION

Section 1. Indemnification. 

The corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless any Director or Officer of the organization to the fullest extent permitted by Colorado law against expenses, judgments, fines, and settlements reasonably incurred by them in connection with any threatened or pending legal action resulting from their good-faith service to the organization.

ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Amendments. 

These bylaws may be amended, altered, or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, provided that written notice of the proposed text changes is provided to all board members at least seven (7) days prior to the vote.

Why did we choose to become a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit?

• Being a formal 501(c)(3) gives us a seat at the table. When we speak to the City Council or the Planning Commission, we aren't just a 'complaint group'—we are a legal entity with a Board, Bylaws, and a mission. It forces the City to take our advocacy on zoning and safety seriously. 

• Since we are a 501(c)(3), any donations you make to help with neighborhood signs, events, or legal filing fees are tax-deductible. This makes it easier for us to raise funds without placing a heavy burden on any single neighbor. 

• By incorporating as a nonprofit, our officers are protected from personal liability. If the organization were ever involved in a dispute, their personal homes and bank accounts are shielded. This ensures that neighbors can volunteer to lead without risking their personal livelihood. 

• Many community grants (from the City, County, or private foundations) are only available to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. This status allows us to apply for 'free money' to improve our neighborhood. 

• The IRS requires 501(c)(3) organizations to be transparent. We are legally prohibited from using funds for private gain or political campaigning. This gives you, the neighbor, the guarantee that every dollar donated is going back into Morse Park. 

What is a fiduciary duty?

The Three Pillars of Fiduciary Duty for MPNO

For a nonprofit board, fiduciary duty isn't just about not stealing money; it’s about "the three Ds": Duty of Care, Duty of Loyalty, and Duty of Obedience.

1. Duty of Care: Board members must stay informed and make decisions with the same care a "prudent person" would. This includes reviewing Jana's financial reports and ensuring expenditures stay within the neighborhood's goals.

2. Duty of Loyalty: Officers and At-Large Directors must act in the interest of the Morse Park Neighborhood, not for their own personal gain or for a specific business they might own.

3. Duty of Obedience (Maintenance of Status): This is where maintaining 501(c)(3) status fits in. The Board must ensure the organization "obeys" its own bylaws and the federal laws governing tax-exempt entities. If the Board fails to file the annual Form 990-N (the "postcard" for small nonprofits), they are failing their fiduciary duty of obedience.

How do I know my "Pay-What-You-Can" donation is being used correctly?

Transparency is a core value. Under Article V, our Board has a Fiduciary Duty to protect all assets. Our Secretary/Treasurer maintains a 'Voting Roll' and financial accounts that are subject to Board oversight, and any expenditure over $100 requires a majority vote. Because we are pursuing 501(c)(3) status, our finances will be a matter of public record. 

What are you doing with my data?

Is the MPNO an HOA or trying to be an HOA?

We get this question a lot, and we want to be completely clear: The Morse Park Neighborhood Organization (MPNO) is absolutely NOT a Homeowners Association (HOA) nor are we trying to create one.

We have no interest in policing your lawn, telling you what color you can paint your front door, or telling you where you can park your car.

Here is the difference between a restrictive HOA and what we are building together:

• No Mandates or Fees: HOAs have mandatory membership and legally binding dues. The MPNO is a 100% voluntary, resident-led nonprofit.

• No Rules or Fines: HOAs enforce strict covenants, bylaws, and design restrictions, and they can fine you if you don't comply. The MPNO has zero regulatory power, zero covenants, and will never issue a fine.

• Our Only Goal is Advocacy and Connection: While an HOA dictates what you can do with your property, the MPNO exists to give our neighborhood a unified voice. We are here to keep you informed about local zoning changes, advocate for our interests with local government, and host community events that bring neighbors together.

Is the MPNO going to tell me what color I can paint my house or how long my grass can be?

No. We are a Neighborhood Organization (RNO), not an HOA. We have no legal authority over your private property. Our purpose is advocacy—working with the City of Lakewood on zoning, safety, and traffic—and fostering community, not enforcing property restrictions. 

Does the Morse Park Neighborhood Organization endorse candidates or issues?