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Article 1: Name of the Organization
The name of the organization shall be Nenameseck Sportsmen's Club Inc. and shall be a non-profit corporation, organized under Chapter 180 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended.
Article 2: Location
The location of the office of this club shall be Bacon Road, Palmer, Massachusetts.
Article 3: Purpose of the Organization
The purpose of this organization is as follows: To carry out a co-operative program for the protection, propagation and restoration of the forests, waters, fish and game. To promote and establish more cordial relation between sportsmen and landowners. To formulate and urge wise legislation pertaining to the above. To assist the commissioner of the Dept. of Natural Resources, the Director of the Fish and Game and any other matters pertaining to sportsmen’s interests as well as to promote sportsmen’s safety.
Article 4: Membership
- Section A: Responsibility
- It shall be the responsibility of each member to maintain active membership
- Section B: Lifetime Membership
- This section deleted Jan 12, 2010, no new Life Memberships shall be granted; however, Life Memberships granted prior to this date shall be grandfathered.
- Section C: Senior Citizen Membership
- An active Member who has reached the age of 65 and has been a Member for at least one full year immediately prior to renewal is eligible for Senior Membership. A Senior Member will have a reduction of dues to 75% (three quarters) of the current full Member dues. The prior Membership must be uninterrupted, for a full year and at the regular Membership rates.
- Section D: Family Membership
- Family Members include the immediate household (sons and daughters under 18 except full time students not to exceed age 24 and ones spouse) and does not include grandchildren or other relatives. Grandchildren or other relatives will require separate Memberships.
- Article 5: Adult Member Acceptance
- Section A: Acceptance
- The prospective Member, who is at least 18 years of age, shall be accepted as an Adult Member by a majority vote of the Members present and voting at a Regular Meeting. Either the applicant or a Member sponsor must bring payment and a signed application to a meeting for the applicant to be voted in. Those applicants wishing to use the outdoor facilities before attending a meeting to be voted in, or who are unable to come to a meeting and do not have a sponsor, must meet with a designated contact member who will accept the application, review the Club rules with the applicant, and provide the card and keys. The applicant, while able to use the outdoor facilities under the previous conditions, is not allowed to bring guests until after being formally voted in at a Regular Meeting as defined in Article 13.
- Section B: Notification of Acceptance
- The prospective Member shall pay to the Membership Chairman the initiation fee and Membership dues in effect. The submitted Membership will be withdrawn if the payment is not received within thirty (30) days. Upon receipt of the fees and dues, the Accepted Member shall be sent a Membership Card, and list of Club Officers and Directors. The Bylaws and Club Rules, and a Calendar of Events are available on the Club webpage (but will be sent if the Member does not have access). Members must pick up keys, key card and badges in person.
- Section C: Notification of Rejection
- The Sponsor and Applicant shall be notified that the applicant has not been accepted to the membership under Article 5, Section A, of these bylaws.
- Article 6: Responsibility
- The Adult Member shall expend effort annually to raise funds or save costs by participating in fund drives, work on an activity committee or perform a trade or professional service. In the case of extraordinary volunteerism, any non-monetary method of reimbursement will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be decided in a Board Meeting with a quorum.
- Article 7: Junior Membership
- Section A: Eligibility
- An applicant shall be less than eighteen (18) years of age and of good moral character and reputation.
- Section B: Acceptance
- An applicant shall submit an Approved Application Form, be sponsored by an Adult Member and elected to Junior Membership by a verbal majority of the Members present and voting at a Regular Meeting.
- Section C: Notification of Acceptance
- A Junior Member shall be sent a Letter of Acceptance, Membership Card marked Junior Member, and a list of Club Officers and Directors. Copy of the Bylaws and Club Rules and a Calendar of Events are available on the Club webpage (but will be sent if the Member does not have access). Junior Members must pick up keys, key card and badges in person.
- Section D: Notice of Rejection
- The Sponsor and Applicant shall be notified that the Applicant has not been accepted under Article 7, Section B of these bylaws.
- Section E: Status
- A Junior Member will not have voting rights but may serve on a committee and may use the clubs facilities under Adult Supervision.
- Article 8: Military
- Any Member who becomes full time active military service while a Member in good standing shall be carried as a Member until such time as they are discharged from active service. If a Member is honorably discharged from active service after the April meeting, their dues will not be due until the following April.
- Article 9: Guests
- Section A: Regular Guest
- A Guest will be allowed to use the facilities one (1) time per calendar year accompanied by a Club Member.
- Section B: Guest Membership
- An active Club Member may obtain a Guest Membership for a visitor. The Guest Membership is good for seven (7) consecutive calendar days and will have a fee of $10 paid to the Membership Chairperson, who will issue a dated pass with the start and end dates inclusive listed and the Guest and Sponsoring Members name on it. The Guest Membership may be renewed for an additional seven (7) calendar days for an additional $10 fee. The Guest may not use the facilities unless accompanied by the Sponsoring Member who will be fully responsible for the Guest. This Section will be subject to annual review and acceptance at the Annual Meeting. (See additional notes of Feb 2011 located at the end of the bylaws)
- Article 10: Expulsion
- Section A: Members
- A complaint may be initiated against a member by presenting to the Board of Directors, a Formal Written Complaint signed by three (3) adult members. The member being criticized shall be granted a Hearing by the Board of Directors. A majority of the Directors vote shall be required to present the complaint to a Partial Board, comprised of eleven (11) members chosen at random from the membership roll. No member shall be expelled or suspended without notice and opportunity to be heard.
- Section B: Removal of Officers
- Officers may be removed with probable cause by a vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at a meeting called for that purpose. An Officer may be removed only after reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard. An officer who is absent from three (3) consecutive regular meetings, without explanation or cause, shall be considered as having resigned. An Officer who is absent from three (3) consecutive Board Meetings without any explanation of cause shall be considered as having resigned.
- Section C: Removal of Directors
- Directors may be removed with probable cause by a vote of two-thirds of members present and voting at a meeting called for that purpose. A Director may be removed only after reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard. A Director who is absent from three (3) consecutive Board Meetings, without explanation or cause, shall be considered as having resigned.
- Section D: Replacement of Officers and Directors
- The members shall be notified that a resignation has taken place and an election will be held at the next regular meeting.
- Article 11: Initiation Fee
- The Initiation Fee shall be voted on at each Annual Meeting for the ensuing year. Each person accepted to the Membership will pay the Initiation Fee in effect at the time of acceptance.
- Article 12: Dues
- Section A: Dues
- Dues for all members shall be voted on at the annual meeting for the ensuing year. Each applicant shall pay the dues in effect at that time.
- Section B: Dues Control
- Term of membership shall be from April 1st to March 31st. Members failing to pay their dues by April Meeting of each year will forfeit their membership. Subsequent application for renewal shall be handled as a new applicant, unless in the opinion of the Board of Directors and the Membership Committee, extenuating circumstances warrant membership renewal.
- Section C: Late Application
- Any application received after the September Regular Meeting will be charged the reduced rate in effect for the current membership year (as described in Article 12, Section A).
- Article 13: Meetings
- Section A: Regular Meeting
- Regular Meetings shall be held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M.
- Section B: Annual Meeting
- Annual Meeting shall be held on the first Tuesday of February at 7:00 P.M. At this meeting Dues, Initiation Fees, Nominations and Changes to Rules and Regulations should be addressed.
- Section C: Special Meetings
- The President or three (3) members of the Board of Directors may call a Special Meeting. Ten (10) members stating in writing the nature of business may request the President to call a Special Meeting. Notice shall be sent to every member at least seven (7) days before the meeting stating the time, place and reason. No business other than that stated in the notice shall be transacted.
- Section D: Quorum
- A Quorum shall consist of at least six (6) Adult Members. A meeting may continue even though a Quorum ceases to exist, however no binding actions shall be voted on during such meeting.
- Section E: Meeting Location
- All Regular and Special Meetings will be held at Nenameseck Sportsmen's Club, Bacon Road, Palmer, MA.
- Section F: Order of Business at a Regular Meeting
- 1. Call to Order
2. Introduction of Guests
3. Reading of minutes of previous meeting
4. Treasurer's Report
5. Action on Membership Applications
6. Correspondence and Communications
7. Reports of Officers, Delegates and Directors
8. Report of Active Committees
9. Unfinished Business
10. New Business
11. Good of the Club
12. Open for Discussion Period
13. Motion for Adjournment
- Section G: Procedure
- A proposal to be presented for consideration by the Membership shall have a discussion period until each Member present, who so desires, shall have made a statement on the subject of not more than two (2) minutes duration and a single rebuttal of not more than two (2) minutes. Each speaker shall address the President and be recognized before being allowed the floor. When no further discussion is desirable or allowable, the President will accept a motion and a vote will be taken. Action on a motion shall be determined by a majority vote of the Adult Members present and voting. The 1915 Edition of Roberts Rules of Order Revised shall resolve parliamentary procedure, not covered by these Bylaws.
- Article 14: Elections
- Section A: Officers and Directors
- A President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary and four (4) Board of Directors shall be nominated at the annual meeting. These Officers and Directors shall comprise the Board of Directors.
- Section B: Election Procedure
- Officers shall be elected by a majority vote by ballot by members in good standing at the March meeting of the club. They shall hold office from April 1st to March 31st. This shall include all appointments. Only official ballots approved by the Board of Directors shall be counted at the election of Officers. The election of Officers shall be done by two (2) ballots. The first (1st) ballot to be for the offices of President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The second (2nd) ballot will be for the Board of Directors. A list of all eligible members less the above named elected Officers shall be presented to each member. From this list four (4) shall be voted for.
- Section C: Requirements
- 1. Members must be in good standing
2. Must have attended seven (7) out of twelve (12) meetings.
3. Must sign register for all meetings attended.
4. Nominees for elective office must have been a member for at least twelve (12) consecutive months before being eligible to run for office.
5. In the event there are not enough eligible candidates for office, an ineligible candidate may be nominated.
- Article 15: Officers and Directors
- Section A: Meetings
- Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be legal when a quorum is present. The Secretary shall call a meeting at the request of the President, or three (3) Directors, notifying each Officer and Director stating the time, place and reason.
- Section B: Quorum
- A quorum shall consist of at least five (5) Officers or Directors. A meeting will continue even though a quorum ceases to exist.
- Article 16: Duties of Officers
- Section A: President
- The President shall preside at all Meetings of the Members and Directors and subject to the authorization of the Directors shall; sign and execute all contracts in the name of the Club, act as a general manager of the facilities, be spokesman of the Club, have accounts audited on an annual basis and be ex-officio of all Regular and Special Committees. He shall appoint all Committee Chairpersons.
- Section B: 1st Vice President
- The 1st Vice President shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President, to perform duties when the President is incapacitated.
- Section C: 2nd Vice President
- The 2nd Vice President shall maintain a list of members and bill Membership Dues. In the event the 1st Vice President is unavailable or incapacitated the 2nd Vice President shall perform their duties.
- Section D: Treasurer
- The Treasurer on the authorization of the Board of Directors and at the direction of the President, shall have custody of all funds and securities, sign all checks, drafts and orders for the payment of money, maintain detailed reports of items by receipts and expenditures, present a report at monthly meetings, present a yearly report at the April meeting and exhibit the books and accounts upon request of any Member. He shall be bonded at the cost of the Club.
- Section E: Secretary
- The Secretary on the authorization of the Board of Directors and at the direction of the President shall keep the minutes of Regular, Special and Directors Meetings; sign and execute all contracts in the name of the Club. All minutes and correspondence pertaining to the Club are to be kept in the files located in the Clubhouse. The Secretary on the authorization of the Board of Directors and at the direction of the President shall attend to assigned correspondence and communications maintain a list of Members and attend to the serving of all Notices.
- Section F: Board of Directors
- The Board of Directors shall manage the club consistent with the interests of the members, voted actions of the members, these bylaws and the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Section G: Vacated Offices
- Any Officer or Committee Chairperson of the club who has vacated their position or has been removed for whatever reason shall return all records and or funds of the clubs to any member of the Board of Directors within three (3) days of such a vacancy or removal. If said Officer is unable to return the records or funds, he shall direct an agent to do so.
- Article 17: Committees
- Section A: Committee
- The President shall select the Chairman of each Committee and the Chairman shall select the Members of the Committee.
- Section B: Regulations
- Each Committee shall make their own regulations, subject to majority approval by the Board of Directors.
- Article 18: By-law Amendments
- Section A: Amendments
- These By-laws may be amended as follows; All changes shall be by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting. Any member can request a By-law change. The members at a regular meeting must consider the relative merit of the proposed change and if in agreement, direct the President to: select a Chairman and a By-law Committee composed of nine (9) adult members, to study the proposed and related changes, designate the time of the next special meeting for final vote. If a vote of acceptance is not obtained another vote must be taken to; return the changes to the By-law Committee for further study and rewording or consider the existing by-laws satisfactory.
- Section B: Notification
- Members are to be notified at least fourteen (14) days in advance of a Special Meeting for By-law Changes.
- Section C: Interpretation
- The Board of Directors shall interpret the By-laws.
- Article 19: Dissolution of the Corporation
- Section A: Conditions
- The members of this club may dissolve and close the affairs of this club subject to the following procedures and conditions; A Special Meeting MUST be called by five (5) board members or thirty (30) members in writing stating the reasons for such dissolution. Such notice shall be presented to the Secretary at least thirty (30) days prior to such a meeting. The Secretary shall send copies of said notices to all members at least twenty-one (21) days prior to such meeting.
- Section B: Vote
- In order to dissolve this corporation a two-thirds vote of all members in good standing shall be required.
- Section C: Dissolution
- In the event that dissolution is so voted, no assets of the corporation, financial or otherwise, shall insure to the benefit of any member of the corporation, and all assets shall by vote be distributed to the other organizations of like purposes.
- Section D: Land
- All land properties owned by the club, upon dissolution, shall be turned over to Palmer Conservation Commission.
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