Update – DNA Bylaw Amendments
In light of recent developments, the DNA Board has decided to delay a bylaws amendment vote for a future meeting. However, information about the amendments will still be presented during the January 13, 2020 Town Hall (Annual Meeting).
Below is a quick synopsis of those modifications, which will be submitted for membership approval at a future Town Hall or Special Meeting.
Summary of Amendment to Bylaws:
- Distinguishes between “General” (voting) members and “Associate” (non-voting) members.
- Specifies the federal regulations by which a small business / entity member will be defined.
- Removes prohibition on multiple entity members having the same registered agent address and replaces it with a prohibition on multiple entities under common control being granted membership.
- Permits the board to develop new classes of membership (e.g., group membership based on familial status) at its discretion.
- Clarifies that nothing in the bylaws will prohibit the board from electing to send a remote written ballot to members in lieu of a vote taken at a meeting of the members, as permitted by Missouri statute.
- Reduces the minimum membership tenure before running for the board from two years to one year and allows the board to temporarily suspend this requirement in the event that an insufficient number of qualifying candidates run for election to the board.
- Specifies the duties of the Executive Director.
- Updates DNA’s policy on nondiscrimination.
- Adds standard provisions for officer and director resignation, indemnification, and insurance.
Note: This summary does not change the terms of the bylaws amendment and is only being provided as a convenience. Neither this written summary nor any other explanation of the bylaws amendment that may be presented to the members is a substitute for complete review and understanding of the proposed amendment.
Full views of the bylaw amendments being presented at the January 2020 Annual Meeting are available at the following links:
The most current approved bylaws may be found on the DNA website at: https://saintlouisdna.org/
We asked our DNA Board Nominees to answer three questions regarding their interest for being on the board. See below for their responses.
Jace Brotherton
Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
I have gotten involved volunteering with DNA and have built solid relationships with current board members. Most importantly, I’m very passionate about helping the Downtown community grow.
What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
Experience with helping grow other nonprofits, good relationships with other downtown residents and business owners, board member of Lucas Lofts, finance and funding (treasurer experience), real estate, and legal.
What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
I believe the future of downtown is extremely bright and we have an opportunity to have a voice in some of the developments.
Alexander Hurst
Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
I am deeply invested in downtown St. Louis as a neighborhood and community where I live and work and want to continue to lend my experience and expertise to DNA to help ensure that DNA fulfills its potential as steward of progress for our neighborhood that is truly representative of its diverse stakeholders.
What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
I am a licensed attorney and an MBA with non-profit board experience both within DNA (I have served for the last year on the DNA board of directors) and elsewhere and have experience serving as corporate secretary for a for-profit corporation. In addition to bringing legal expertise with me that colors my opinion as a director, I also have a broad-based background in managing operations (everything from maintaining proper insurance coverage to event planning).
What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
I would like to see DNA expand upon its successes from the past year, such as our partnership with Taste of St. Louis, and to offer more happy hours that include an activity component (the tours offered at our happy hours at the Last Hotel and Missouri Athletic Club this past year are good examples). Even more crucially, as the current CID is up for renewal and a competing proposal is on the table, it is now more important than ever that DNA act as both a source of unbiased information and a representative voice for the people who are the glue of downtown – its residents. Whatever form the next CID takes, I would like to see DNA take on a more actively collaborative role with the CID so that together we can effect change and galvanize progress.
LaShana Lewis
Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
Willing to continue my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Downtown St. Louis region.
What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
Flexibility, connections to the innovation community, and overall joy!
What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
Would love to have a DNA Open House for all the lofts/condos in the region happen in one weekend/day.
Howard Wynder
Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
I see change on the horizon. I believe that DNA can and should be involved in the changes that need to come to our neighborhood. DNA is and should be the voice of our residents. And also a bridge to both elected officials and our police officers.
What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
I am past looking for the spotlight and have been successful in neighborhood evolution since the 60s with voter registration and migrant worker assistance.
What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
A clear voice for residents.
DNA Town Hall – Annual Meeting
Join us on Monday, January 13th at 6:00 PM for our first Town Hall of 2020 at the St. Louis Public Library – Central auditorium, 1301 Olive Street. Metered parking available.
Voting members will be electing up to 4 board seats to replace emptying seats and join the existing board directors. An update to the bylaws will be presented for review.
Also, hear information from the current DNA Board of Directors, local elected officials, and about other new events and businesses in the region.
Meets us after the meeting during our DNA Social at Missouri Bar & Grille, 701 N Tucker, to hear results!