ARTICLE A. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Organization, here in after referred to as the Club shall be:

1. To promote an interest in, and a public appreciation of, amateur radio in all respects.

2. To provide amateur radio education for its members and the general public.

3. To provide instruction and avenues for advancement for new and upgrade licenses.

 

Section 1. Classes of Membership Definitions

There shall be five classes of membership. They are:

A. Active Member – One who shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of the Club.

B. Inactive Member – One who shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as an Active Member except the right to sponsor Family Members and to use Club property.

C. Family Member – One who is the spouse or legal dependent of an active member. Family Members pay reduced dues of fifty percent (50%) to the nearest dollar of Active Members.

D. Student Member – One who joins the Club by paying reduced dues of fifty percent (50%) to the nearest dollar of Active Members. This individual is studying to obtain an amateur radio license within the next six (6) months of membership acceptance. This class of membership is available to encourage new radio amateur operators and to provide a source of new Active Members.

E. Suspended Member – One who has been denied all Club rights and privileges.

Section 2. General Rights and Privileges

Each member shall share equally with others of the same class the rights, privileges, and obligations of his/her particular membership class.

Section 3. General Qualifications

Membership in the Club shall be open to those persons interested in amateur radio and the purposes of the Club. To be eligible to participate in Club activities and events members shall meet and comply in all respects with current FCC regulations and license qualifications.

Section 4. Application Procedures

Application for membership shall be signed, written application using the form supplied by the Club. All applications must be filed with the Treasurer.

Section 5. Election of Members

Members with voting rights, present at the regular meeting, will elect prospective members. For transacting business a quorum as defined in Article C, Section 1 must be present. A majority vote either for or against will determine acceptance or denial of membership.

The vote by Members will be by secret ballot. The officers will count the ballots and the outcome of the vote will be communicated to the applicant. The officers at the meeting will inform the Members of the outcome of the vote.

An applicant that has not met the membership requirements may start the entire process over again beginning with the next regular meeting.

Section 6. Table of Deposits, Dues, and Rates

A table containing membership classes, numbers per membership class, rights, privileges, deposits, dues and rates will be published in the Club newsletter bi-annually or may be published at the Club web site. This table will be revised as necessary by the Club Secretary to reflect changes by action of the Board of Directors and will be distributed to members.

Section 7. Transfer of Membership

Membership in this Club is not transferable or assignable.

A. Active Member – Each Active Member shall have equal rights, privileges, and obligations. Each active member shall be entitled to participate in all Club activities, whether operations or otherwise, on an equal basis with every other Active Member. An Active member has full voting rights, receives all Club mailings, and is the only class eligible for elective office. Active Members must be qualified under Article B, Section 3.

B. Inactive Member – Inactive membership is a special class that may be granted to Active Members by the Board of Directors. Inactive membership will not be granted for periods of less than six (6) months except by action of the Board of Directors of the Club. After twelve (12) months, the Board of Directors may favorably consider a new application for inactive membership. Monthly dues for an Inactive Member shall be up to fifty percent (50%), to the nearest dollar, of the Active Member dues per month. Application for change of status from Active to Inactive shall be accompanied by making a written request to the Club Treasurer. This request shall be reviewed and acted upon by the Board of Directors within thirty (30) days.

To become an Active Member, an Inactive Member can participate in a club activity. The now Active Member will be charged the then current monthly dues for the entire month after having participated in the Club activity. If the member chooses to become an Active Member before their six (6) months of Inactive membership has expired, they will be billed the Active Member monthly dues for the entire six (6) month period except by the action of the Board of Directors of the Club. Conversion from Inactive to Active status shall be for a minimum of nine (9) months.

Another way to become an Active Member is to send a letter to one of the Board of Directors stating your intentions. This request shall be reviewed and acted upon by the Board of Directors within thirty (30) days.

C. Family Member - Family membership is available to a spouse or legal dependent of an Active member residing in the same household as the Active Member. A Family Member shall have the rights, privileges, and obligations of an Active Member except as follows: Family Members shall not vote, nor hold an elective office; shall not hold equity in property of the Club, nor be entitled to any refund of membership fees. The total family (Active Member plus Family Members) shall have priority for use of the Club equipment equal to one membership. Family Members must meet the requirements of Article B. Section 3. The sponsoring member must request acceptance of a member/members of their family in writing to the Secretary. A legal dependent of an Active Member may retain family membership until age twenty-three (23) provided they remain a legal dependent. Otherwise, their family membership terminates at age nineteen (19). Family memberships end with the termination of change to inactive status of the sponsoring Active Member. A sponsoring member is liable for all Club financial obligations for both themselves and their family member(s) as defined in Article J of this document.

D. Student Member – A student member has the same rights and privileges as an Active Member with the following exceptions:

Student Members are not eligible to:

1. Hold Club office.

2. Vote on matters of Club business or for the election of officers.

3. This class of membership automatically terminates fifteen (15) days after achievement of an FCC Amateur Radio License. Student Members will have priority for full Active membership over new applicants.

E. Suspended Member – One who has been denied all Club rights and privileges. Only the Board of Directors can change the status of a Suspended Member.

Section 1. Quorum

The number of Active members equal to one-fourth (1/4) of the total Active membership shall constitute a quorum for transacting any business. The term business refers to elections, improvements, and other matters of distinct importance.

Section 2. Annual Meeting (also referred to as the election meeting)

The meeting, at which Club officers will be elected, shall be held on the regular monthly meeting in January at such place as the Club normally meets or such other place as designated by the Board of Directors in the meeting notice. In the event that such dates shall fall on a legal holiday, said meeting shall be held on an alternate date selected and announced to all members. The Secretary shall mail or announce notice of such annual meeting to each member of the Club not less than five (5) days before the meeting. For purposes of transacting business, a quorum as defined in Article C, Section 1 must be present.

Section 3. Regular Meetings

Regular meetings shall be held at such time and place, as the Board of Directors shall approve. For transacting business, a quorum as defined in Article C, Section 1 must be present.

Section 4. Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the President, or in his absence the Vice President upon request of at least five members of the Club, or by two-thirds (2/3) of the Board of Directors. Business conducted at such special meetings shall be limited to that sent out in the notice. For purposes of transacting business, a quorum as defined in Article C, Section 1 must be present. Not less than five (5) days before the special meeting, the Secretary or any other Club officer shall mail a notice to each member of the Club at his/her address as it appears in the Club records or otherwise announce to each member of the Club.

Section 5. Voting

All Active and Inactive Members shall have equal voting rights for transacting business. Each such member shall be entitled to one vote. The President shall not vote in matters except to cast a ballot to break a tie excluding elections, which the President has, all voting rights and privileges.

Section 6. Proxies

At any meeting of members, a member entitled to vote must be present to vote. A proxy will not be accepted.

Paragraph I. Voting for Election of Officers

Two voting members, not running for Office, shall be appointed by the Board of Directors to act as election judges. The Election Judges shall solicit for candidate nominations two (2) months prior to the election meeting. A campaign statement from each nominee may be mailed along with the Absentee Ballots to the membership no later than twenty (20) days prior to the Election Meeting.

Absentee Ballots must be marked and returned in time for the Election Meeting or brought to the Election Meeting if the voter is attending. The number of ballots submitted must meet the quorum conditions as outlined in Article C, Section 1.

The Election Judges will count all ballots at the Election Meeting and announce the results to the attending membership. In the event of a tie vote, the candidates tied will have an opportunity to resolve the issues themselves. If it cannot be resolved in this manner, the winner will be determined by coin flip.

Paragraph II. Other Voting

If the item being voted on requires a quorum of the voting membership as defined in Article C, Section 1, (i.e. the impeachment process), the Chairman or other Club Officer shall mail ballots to the voting membership a minimum of twenty (20) days prior to the meeting at which the vote is to be counted. Ballots should be returned to the sender in time for the meeting at which the vote is to be counted.

Section 6. Board of Directors Meeting

Board of Directors meetings shall be held at the call of the President of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall meet at least once a month, no later than one week before an annual or regular meeting. A quorum for all Board meetings shall be at least a majority of the Board of Directors then in office.

Section 1. Compensation

Under no circumstances will compensation be paid to any member of the Board of Directors, Officers, or Members.

Section 2. Officers

There shall be four (4) Club officers: a President (who shall also serve as Safety and Operations Officer), a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. To assist them in carrying out the purposes of the Club, immediately after taking office, said officers will, by majority vote, appoint or re-appoint a Safety Marshall and such other assistants they deem necessary. Those appointed shall be selected from the Active membership and shall hold office until the next annual meeting or until relieved by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall consist of the three (3) original Active Club Members with the Club founder as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will appoint replacements for these positions.

Section 4. Authority

The Board of Directors shall have full authority to act on any and all matters concerning the Club except those specifically excluded in the Bylaws. However, some actions may be subject to the approval of the membership. These are set forth in Article H, Section 2 and Article N, Section 2. All obligations of the Club must be presented to, and approved by the Board of Directors that shall also determine deposits, dues, rates and assessments. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall have authority above and beyond any authorities not expressed as exclusions of the Chairman.

Section 5. Impeachment

A seventy-five percent (75%) majority vote of the Active and Inactive membership on the date the vote is taken shall be required to impeach an officer. An impeachment proceeding shall have a Chairman, who is not an Officer of the Club, elected by the membership. The Chairman shall be appointed by election at a regular monthly meeting by the membership present. A current Officer of the Club who is not being impeached shall call proceedings.

Section 6. Removal

The Board of Directors may remove any officer elected by the membership or appointed by the Board of Directors whenever in its judgment the best interests of the Club would be served thereby.

Section 7. Vacancy

In the event of a vacancy, the Board shall appoint a temporary officer to serve until the next regular meeting at which time a special election shall be held to fill the vacancy. Candidates shall be nominated from the floor. If a permanent officer is not elected within sixty (60) days after the vacancy occurs, the temporary officer shall thereafter serve as officer for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Section 1. President

An Active Member elected by a majority of the Active and Inactive Members then present and voting at the annual meeting and based upon a quorum as set forth in Article C, Section 1, being present. Duties of the President shall be to:

A. Preside at all meetings of the Club and Board of Directors.

B. Appoint committee chairman with the Board of Directors approval.

C. Sign all acts or orders necessary to carry out the business of the Club.

D. Cast the deciding vote in cases where any question or motion is a tie, excluding election ties.

E. Represent the Club to outside persons or other organization whenever necessary.

F. Monitor the effectiveness of Club activities, compliance with Club rules, investigate suspected or alleged violations, and recommend corrective actions to the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Vice President, Safety and Operations Officer

An Active Member elected by a majority of the Active and Inactive Members then present and voting at the annual meeting and based upon a quorum as set forth in Article C, Section 1, being present. Duties of the Vice President, Safety and Operations Officer shall be to:

A. Assume the duties of the President in the event of his absence, illness, death, resignation, or removal from office.

B. Plan Club activities and programs for both regular and special meetings.

C. Oversee instruct and be responsible for the Safety Marshall.

Section 3. Secretary

An Active Member elected by a majority of the Active and Inactive Members then present and voting at the annual meeting and based upon a quorum as set forth in Article C, Section 1, being present. Duties of the Secretary shall be to:

A. Record the minutes of all regular and special meetings of the Club.

B. Record the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors.

C. Preserve all records, reports, and documents of the Club except those specifically assigned to the custody of others.

D. Carry on the official correspondence of the organization as well as sending notices of meetings to members.

E. Keep a membership list containing the name and address of each member and the date of admission to membership.

F. Give all notices required by law and all notices specified in the Bylaws of the Club.

G. Keep and maintain records required by Illinois Law.

H. At the expiration of his/her term in office, deliver all books, papers, and property of the Club in his/her hands, together with all rights of the Club, to the President who shall convey them to his/her successor.

Section 4. Treasurer

An Active Member elected by a majority of the Active and Inactive Members then present and voting at the annual meeting and based upon a quorum as set forth in Article C, Section 1, being present. Duties of the Treasurer shall be to:

A. Receive, receipt for, record, and prepare disbursement of Club monies. (The Chairman of the Board of Directors must sign Checks.)

B. Render a current financial report at each business meeting.

C. Keep an accurate account of the finances of the Club on the books of the Club prepared and furnished for that purpose which shall be open for inspection and examination by the officers or any committee of the members appointed for that purpose.

D. At the expiration of his/her term in office, deliver all books, papers, and property of the Club in his/her hands, together with all monies and rights of the Club, to the President who shall convey them to his/her successor.

Section 1. Duties

Club members shall serve and comply with all local, state, and Federal regulations, and codes. Members shall also comply with the Regulations and Operating Rules of the Club. This document, distributed to each new member of the Club, is a separate document from the Bylaws. Amendments to this document will be communicated via the monthly newsletter or can be found in the Club web site.

Section 2. Responsibilities

Club members are expected to pay dues, assessments, and rates promptly; take an active part in the operations of the Club; attend meetings and Club activities; conduct themselves in a fitting manner at meetings; be alert and mindful of the Club’s interests; and work towards maintaining full Club membership.

Section 1. Authority

The Club shall establish and maintain Operating Rules covering General Information, Responsibilities, Scheduling, Maintenance, and Finances. This document shall be separate from the Bylaws.

Section 2. Changes

Operating Rules may be amended, added to, or deleted by a majority vote of the Board of Directors then in office and voting, but changes must be ratified by the membership. Ratification procedures are detailed in Article P, Section 2.

Section 1. Authority

The Club shall establish and maintain Operating Regulations that shall be binding upon all members who operate Club equipment.

Section 2. Changes

Operating Regulations may be amended, added to, or deleted by a majority vote of the Board of Directors then in office and voting, but changes must be ratified by the membership. Ratification procedures are detailed in Article P, Section 2.

Section 3. Emergency Regulations

The Board of Directors shall have the right by majority vote of directors then in office and voting to establish and place into effect immediately any regulation of an emergency nature. Such emergency regulations shall be temporary until such times as required to comply with the ratification procedure as set forth in Article P, Section 2.

Section 4. Statement

Members of all classes shall sign a statement indicating that they have read, understand, and agree to conform to the Bylaws, and Operating Regulations and Operating Rules established by the Club. This statement is contained in Article Q. Actual signed copy of statement shall be separate from this document.

Section 1. General

The Club shall be operated on a nonprofit, expense-sharing basis.

Section 2. Deposits

All new members shall pay an initial deposit in an amount determined by the Board of Directors and set forth in the Operating Regulations and Operating Rules.

Section 3. Dues

All membership classes shall pay monthly dues as determined by the Board of Directors and set forth in the Operating Regulations and Operating Rules.

Section 4. Fees

Fees for the use of Club equipment are set forth in the Operating Regulations and Operating Rules.

Section 5. Assessments

The Board of Directors, by unanimous vote, may, whenever they deem necessary, levy special assessments not to exceed an amount equal to one month’s dues against Active and Inactive Members to meet current expenses. Assessments greater than an amount equal to one month’s dues per calendar quarter shall require approval by a majority vote of the members present at a regular, special, or annual meeting and based upon a quorum as set forth in Article C, Section 1, being present.

Section 6. Contracts

The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents of the Club to enter into any contract in the name of and on the behalf of the Club. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section 7. Checks, Drafts, etc.

The Treasurer shall prepare all checks, drafts or orders for the payment of money or such other officers as the Board of Directors may approve. All checks, drafts, etc. drawn on the Club’s must be signed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 8. Deposits

All funds of the Club shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Club in such banks as the Board of Directors may select. All deposits must be deposited within seven (7) days after receipt of the funds.

ARTICLE J. FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Club shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of December in each year.

ARTICLE K. INDEBTEDNESS

Members are expected to pay monthly dues, rates, and special assessments, if any, within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of billings. Failure to do so can result in suspension of the right to use Club equipment if, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, a member has been a frequent offender. A suspended member may be expelled from the Club under the provisions of Article K.

Section 1. Suspension

A member may be suspended for up to sixty (60) days from all rights and privileges of Club membership by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors when, in its opinion, the member has failed to live up to the duties and responsibilities of members as described in Article F and/or has repeatedly failed to pay dues, rates, and special assessments in accordance with Article K. After sixty (60) days, a suspended member must be returned to full in good standing status or expulsion procedures as described in Article L, Section 2 must be carried out.

Section 2. Expulsion

A person of any class of membership may be expelled from the Club when, in the unanimous opinion of the Board of Directors and in the majority of a quorum as outlined in Article C, Section 1. Expulsion shall be determined by the majority vote of the voting members present at any regular, special, or annual meeting. Expelled persons forfeit all membership rights and privileges in the Club and remain responsible for all indebtedness to the Club up to the time of expulsion. Members being considered for expulsion shall be notified in writing not less than five (5) days before the membership shall vote on expulsion.

Section 1. Conditions

A member may request resignation at any time by submitting written notice to the Board of Directors, but may, if there is no replacement available, be requested to remain an Active Member and to pay monthly dues and assessments, if any, for a maximum of three (3) months. Resignations will be effective within ninety (90) days when accepted by the Board of Directors. Members who resign will forfeit any dues, or assessments paid.

Section 1. Liability Insurance

The Club shall at all times carry public liability insurance on its property to protect the Club and its individual members against liability actions, suits for damage, or judgments of third persons. This insurance shall be adequate, to be lawful under Illinois law.

The Club shall not be responsible for losses sustained by a member during, going to or coming from any club function event meeting etc. or the loss of property either damaged or stolen during the same.

Section 1. Title

All property, both real and personal, shall be held in the name of the Club, if purchased by or donated to the Club.

Section 2. Dissolution

Should the Club be dissolved, each Active and Inactive Member shall be entitled to an equitable share of the Club’s assets. Active Members shall be entitled to a full share; whereas, Inactive Members shall be entitled only to a percentage of an Active Member’s share based upon time in months divided by total membership time in months. This section regarding dissolution cannot be altered without one hundred percent (100%) ratification of voting members and one hundred percent (100%) of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors cannot solely act on any matter relating to this section.

Section 1. Amendment

Bylaws may be amended by the majority vote of the Board of Directors at a Board of Directors meeting. The Bylaws shall not be amended unless proposed amendments were read at a previous meeting and distributed to all Active and Inactive Members not less than five (5) days before the meeting at which the vote is to take place.

Section 2. Ratification

Ratification of Operating Regulations and Operating Rules shall be made by the majority vote as set forth in Article C, Section 1, at a meeting of members.

ARTICLE Q. STATEMENT

(A separate copy of this document without this statement shall be kept on file with membership application)

My signature hereon indicates that I have read, understand, and agree to conform to the Bylaws and the Operating Regulations and Operating Rules of the Central Illinois High Gain Amateur Radio Club.

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