Nabnasset Improvement Association
SPECIAL MEETING, 6/10/23

Frequently Asked Questions

Announcement
The NIA’s 2023 Board of Directors (BOD) are proposing to amend and replace the bylaw’s
dated August 16, 1997 and reinstate the Articles of Organization, dated August 4, 1938. All
prior bylaws would be null and void and the new bylaws would go into effect if agreed upon by
the membership. Per M.G.L. 180 section 17 and our want to be transparent with the
membership, we are providing notice of this change before its presentation and vote at the
annual meeting on August 26, 2023, rain date of August 27th. Per our current bylaws, we will
mail a copy of the updated bylaws and reinstated Articles of Organization to all members at
least 10 days prior to the annual meeting. We will additionally update our website to include
frequently asked questions (FAQ) about this process. Please see below and visit our website at
niawestford.org to learn more about these proposed changes.

Why are updated bylaws being proposed?
Our current bylaws are 25 years old. Guidelines and regulations change over the years and the
NIA wants to modernize the language while keeping the same spirit of the current bylaws. The
last bylaw amendments were proposed after 20 years (1978-1997). Additionally, the NIA is applying for tax exempt status as a 501(c)(7). This status means that the NIA would not be required to pay state or federal taxes moving forward.

What is not changing?
The current BOD is working diligently to review the proposed document and ensure the integrity
and intent of our current bylaws is carried over to the new document. We want the membership
to know that in addition to our routine practices, the following will remain the same in the
proposed bylaws:

• The price of membership
• The eligibility criteria for membership
• Our events, including the Children’s Party, Fishing Derby, etc.
• Our boat launch rules
• The members requirement to vote on major changes to the organization, such as buying
  and selling of properties and bylaw amendments
  What has changed?
  Looking at the proposed bylaws, you will see the language looks different. Changes from the
  current bylaws to the proposed bylaws include:
• Expanding the purpose to include improvement and betterment of “social” and
  “recreational activities,” not just the properties. The updated purpose better aligns with the original Articles of Organization, which emphasizes “encouraging a friendly feeling among its members.”

• Changing the wording of “bank account” to be more inclusive of any NIA assets,
  including bank accounts, investment accounts, and properties
• The use of email as a way to notify members
• The use of Telephone/ Remote Conference Meeting, in the case of an unforeseen issue
  that may affect how the NIA does business, such as the Covid-19 pandemic
  Why is this update important?
  This is important to gain tax exempt status with the IRS as a 501(c)(7) Social Club. A tax
  exempt organization is not required to pay state or federal taxes, which means the NIA will be
  able to dedicate more of our money to our mission of improving and maintaining our properties
  for the use of our members.
  What is our current status?
  We do not currently have a status with the IRS. We are working under the guidance of our CPA
  to rectify this situation, and back taxes may have to be paid to be in good standing with the IRS.
  Who wrote these updates?
  The NIA is working with attorney James Silva, who drafted these bylaws for our association.
  James is a local attorney who has experience working with non-profit organizations in
  Massachusetts.
  What are the next steps?
  We will have a membership vote to approve the proposed bylaws, new purpose statement, and Restated Articles of Organization at the annual meeting.
  Can I get a copy of the proposed bylaws?
  Please click the Proposed 2023 Bylaws tab to access the proposed bylaws, Restated Articles of Organization, and related documents.
  What if I have a question about the bylaw change?
  Please reach out to us at niawestford@gmail.com and we would be happy to answer any
  questions.