OLD Anchor Boat Club, Inc. By-Laws
As Amended
June 17,2010
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of the not-for-profit corporation is Anchor Boat Club, Inc.,
hereafter referred to as The Club.
ARTICLE II: OBJECTIVES
The objectives of The Club are as follows:
1. The establishment, maintenance, supervision and expansion of The Club
2. The promotion of safe boating
3. The conservation of natural resources
4. The promotion of marine activities of a social and recreational nature, and
other related activities
5. The support of recognized civic and charitable activities
The Club will provide a service to its members and its membership shall
participate in the organization by contributing their efforts toward the
fulfillment of The Club’s objectives.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Classes of Membership
A. Individual - Single persons 21 years or older (without
dependents). An individual member is entitled to one vote.
B. Family - Head of Household 21 years or older, spouse, if any,
and unmarried dependent children under 21 years of age. The head of household
and spouse are entitled to one vote each.
Section 2. Changes in Class of Membership
A. Changes in Class - Members shall be required to change
membership class in the event of a change in status. Such change shall include
an adjustment of dues for the new class of membership effective at the beginning
of The Club’s next fiscal year. In no event shall there be a retroactive refund
of dues. In the event of the death of one member of a family, such membership
shall devolve to the surviving spouse.
B. Capping of Membership - When membership is capped, names
of applicants to The Club will be put on a waiting list per postal delivery
only. The order of admission to
The Club will be determined by the postage date per application. If multiple
applications are received on the same date, position on waiting list will be
determined by lottery. Membership is capped at 101 members.
C. Boat Owner Ratio to Membership - In keeping with the ABC
objectives, 40% of the current membership will consist of owners of powered
boats of 16 ft or more.
Section 3. Resignation
Members may be terminated by voluntary resignation, tendered in writing and
accepted by the Board, provided the resigning member shall have paid current
dues and all other indebtedness to The Club. Such resignation shall be deemed
“in good standing.”
Section 4. Reinstatement
Any former member who resigned “in good standing” may, during a period not
exceeding one year from said resignation, make application for reinstatement.
If cap is met, applicant for reinstatement will be put on the waiting list.
Section 5. Interpretation of Membership Provisions
Any conflicts or disputes with respect to the interpretation of the status,
conditions, rights and privileges of membership, whether set forth in the
by-laws or not, shall be presented in writing to the Board by the Membership
Committee with its recommendations. After consideration by the Board, its
decision shall be final and binding on all parties.
Section 6. Eligibility
People who value the objectives of The Club, as set forth in Article II and
who, in the judgment of the Membership Committee and the Board, are of good
moral character and can be expected to abide by these by-laws, rules and
regulations of The Club and who will share in The Club’s responsibilities are
eligible for membership. Membership shall not be denied on the basis of race,
creed, sex or national origin.
Section 7. Admission to Membership
Upon approval of the completed application accompanied by the appropriate
annual or semi-annual dues, the Membership Committee, through the Chairperson,
provides the new member with : 1. Welcome letter, 2. Membership card, 3. A
membership list with their name included, 4. A copy of the by-laws, 5. Any other
materials requested on the application. The Membership Committee Chairman is
responsible for notifying the Secretary about the new member(s) so that their
name(s) can be posted in The Club’s Monthly Newsletter or any other monthly
correspondence provided. Proceeds collected are to be forwarded to the Club
Treasurer, 6. Member will receive membership merchandise package. All
applicants, sponsored and non-sponsored, wishing admission to The Club will be
reviewed by the Membership Committee and presented to the Board by the
Membership Chairperson for consideration. Approval by the Board shall cause the
Secretary to post the name of the applicant in the Club Bulletin for 30 days.
If any member of The Club notifies the Commodore or any other Flag Officer that
there is an objection to the applicant, the Board shall reconsider such
application. If no disapprovals are received within said thirty days, the
applicant shall be deemed approved and shall be so notified by the Membership
Chairperson
Section 8. Member’s Obligations
A. Members are expected to practice good sportsmanship, fellowship
and proper conduct at all times, either afloat or ashore.
B. Members are accountable for the conduct of their families and
guests.
C. Members are responsible for knowing these by-laws and abiding by
them.
Section 9. Censure, Suspension and Expulsion
A. Except for non-payment of dues, and other charges which
are provided for in Article IV, a member shall be subject to censure, suspension
or expulsion if the conduct of such member violates these by-laws.
B. In the event there are charges of misconduct or violations of
the standing rules of The Club, brought against a member by another member, the
Board shall meet with the charged member and thoroughly investigate such
allegations. After careful and deliberate consideration of said allegations and
the defense, they will make a determination of any action to be taken.
C. If after investigation the Board determines that the evidence
does not support the allegations, no further actions will be taken.
Section 10. Guest Privileges
A. Club events are limited to Club members and their invited guests
only.
B. Club members may invite guests to attend Club events not to
exceed three events per guest per calendar year.
C. Members must host their guests on their own vessels and
non-members are not permitted to use their own boats in the flotilla unless such
event is declared “An open event.”
D. An open event will be declared by the Fleet Captain, Rear
Commodore and approved by the Commodore and Vice Commodore. An open event can
be declared when there is sufficient docking and social event accommodations.
The declaration of an open event can not cause any inconvenience to any Club
member. All open event boats must inform the Fleet Captain of boat size and
number of people on board.
Article IV: DUES AND OTHER CHARGE
The dues for the classes of membership, and other charges are determined by
resolution of the Board. Annual dues are payable by January 15th.
If payment is not made by said due date, the delinquent member will lose all
privileges and rights of a member.
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS
Section 1. Designation
The Flag Officers of The Club are Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore,
Fleet Captain, Secretary and Treasurer.
Section 2. Terms of Office
A. A Commodore shall not serve more than two elected consecutive
terms. With the exception of the Commodore, in the event any elected officer is
unable to serve his term, a new officer shall be appointed by the Board to
complete the unexpired term.
B. Term of office shall begin on the first of January.
C. Officer shall serve for a term of one year or until a successor
is elected.
D. If the Commodore is unable to complete his/her term
(resignation, death, confirmed disability), as determined by a majority of the
Board, the Vice Commodore shall then assume the office of Commodore, with full
authority as Commodore.
Section 3. Duties
The duties and responsibilities of each of the officers listed in this
Section shall be as follows:
A. The Commodore - The Commodore, serves as the Chief Executive
Officer of The Club and Chairman of the Board and shall: preside at all meetings
of the membership, be an ex-officio member of all standing committees, and
together with the Treasurer, sign all contracts, bonds or other written
instruments approved by the Board on behalf of The Club. He/she shall retain
executive and administrative authority in all matters pertaining to the business
of The Club, in accordance with policies established by the Board.
B. Vice Commodore - The Vice Commodore assists the Commodore in the
discharge of all duties, and in the Commodore’s absence, shall act in the
Commodore’s place, and shall be assigned such other duties and social functions
as may be determined by the Commodore.
C. Rear Commodore - In the absence of the Commodore and/or the
Vice Commodore, the Rear Commodore shall act in the place and stead of the
absent officer and shall be responsible for activities as may be determined by
the Commodore. Duties include setting-up monthly events and keeping the Fleet
Captain informed regarding all activities.
D. Fleet Captain - The Fleet Captain is responsible for all marine
activities. Makes needed inquiries and arrangements for docking or staying at
marinas for club events. Leads flotillas or assigns a member of the flotilla to
lead if the Fleet Captain is not available. Keeps track of all boats in
flotilla and assigns positions of vessels including sweep. Performs other duties
as determined by the Commodore
E. Secretary - The Secretary records and maintains all Board and
membership meeting minutes. He/she is solely responsible for the reporting of
this information. The Secretary keeps and preserves all Club records and
documents. The Secretary maintains a list of members and their boats and
updates the roster on a monthly basis and provides boat owner ratio of
membership. The Secretary is responsible for posting and publishing the names
and sponsors of applicants for membership, as directed by the Board. The
Secretary shall compose and mail correspondence relating to the Club functions,
ie: Certificates of Appreciation for speakers, etc.
F. Treasurer - The Treasurer receives all funds due The Club, pays
all bills authorized by the Board and provides written reports of the total
financial position of The Club at all Board meetings, and shall report at all
general membership meetings in a form as directed by the Board, in accordance
with good standard business practice. The Treasurer, plus one or more members
of the Board, develops a club budget for the coming year. This budget is to be
submitted to the Board for approval no later than the November Board Meeting of
that year.
G. Past Commodores - The immediate Past Commodore, in good standing
shall be an Honorary Flag Officer of The Club. He/she shall assist the Commodore
on special committees and projects and will act as a non-voting advisory for the
Board and The Club membership if the need arises.
ARTICLE VI: BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Composition
The six elected officers of The Club shall become the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Duties
The Board manages all the activities and properties of The Club; make all
contracts, agreements, and purchases; provide for all expenditures and
administer the affairs of The Club in such manner as may be necessary to carry
out the objectives and purposes of The Club, as set forth in the charter and
these by-laws, except the Board may not purchase properties, buildings, lease
same or contract for the above without approval of the majority of the
membership present at any meeting of the membership called for that purpose.
Included in, but not limited to general duties set forth below, the Board shall:
A. Manage the Club’s financial affairs, including the right to invest any
funds of The Club on behalf of and in the name of the membership.
B. Levy and collect dues and charges from al members of The Club for the
purpose of paying expenses, conducting business and paying debts. Any expense
over a total of $250.00 in any one calendar year, not budgeted, must be
presented to the members for approval.
C. Make rules and regulations for the direction of the officers and for
the management of the affairs of The Club and its property.
D. Submit annual operating budget for approval by the membership by the
end of the calendar year
Section 3. Meetings of the Board
Regular meetings of the Board will be held once a quarter at a place and time
designated by the Board. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the
Commodore or three members of the Board on three days notice to all Board
members. Two-thirds of the Board shall constitute a quorum at all regular and
special meetings.
Section 4. Removal
The Board has the power, by vote of two-thirds of its members at a meeting
duly called for that purpose, to remove, for cause, from office any officer or
Board member.
Section 5. Attendance at Board Meeting
A member of the Board who fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings
without just cause as determined by the Board, shall cease to be a Board member
and shall cease to be a Club officer.
Section 6. Compensation
A member of the Board or any member shall not receive, directly or
indirectly, any salary or any other compensation from the Board.
Section 7. Vacancies on the Board
In the event of a vacancy on the Board caused by a removal or otherwise, the
Board may (except for the office of Commodore) fill such vacancy and office by a
vote of two-thirds of its members at a meeting duly called for such purpose. In
the event that the Commodore shall be removed or a vacancy shall occur for the
position of Commodore, the Vice Commodore shall be elevated to
Commodore.
Section 8. Board Member Resignation
In the event a Board member resigns, he or she must submit a dated, signed
letter of resignation to the Commodore. The Commodore shall deem that letter of
resignation effective immediately.
Article VII: MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meetings
The Club will meet each month at the regular date and time as designated by
the Board, unless determined otherwise by the Board, upon at least six days
notice to the membership.
Section 2. Annual Meetings
The regular membership meeting in November shall be the annual meeting for
the purpose of electing officers, members of the Board, and for any other
business that may arise.
Section 3. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Commodore or the Board and may be
called upon the written request to the Board by 25 members in good standing.
The purpose, time and place of such special meetings shall be stated in the
call. At least six days notice shall be given in writing to the membership.
Section 4. Quorum
Twenty five percent of the members who have voting rights and who are in good
standing shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5. Voting Rights
Voting rights for each class of membership are as set forth under Article III
of these by-laws.
Section 6. Attendance
An attendance log will be signed by each member attending each regular or
special meeting.
Article VIII; COMMITTEES AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS
The standing committees are (1) Membership, (2) Finance, (3) Social, (4)
Public Affairs (5) By-Laws, (6) Other Committees, (7) Nominations and Elections
(8) Audit. Each standing committee will have Director as a liaison, appointed
by the Commodore. Committee Chairperson is to report to the liaison on a
monthly basis prior to the Board meeting. The appointed official shall be (9)
Sergeant-At-Arms.
Section 1. Membership Committee
A. Composition - A chairperson appointed by the Commodore from the
Board by the January meeting of each year, along with two members from the
general membership appointed by the Commodore.
B. Duties - In addition to the duties set forth in article III the
Membership Committee shall:
1. Receive, review and act on all applications for membership.
2. Recommend acceptance of membership to the Board if the
application is approved by a majority of the Membership Committee.
3. Provide for issuance to each member a copy of the by-laws, a
membership card and member roster and a copy of the Flotilla Rules.
Section 2 Finance Committee
It is the duty of the Finance Committee to examine, at such period as they
may deem necessary, the accounts of The Club, and generally to control and
manage the financial matters of The Club subject, however to the direction of
the Board. The Chairperson will be a member of the Board and appointed by the
Commodore, two other non-Board members shall be appointed by the Commodore. The
Committee is also responsible for auditing the financial statements, records and
procedures used for the preceding fiscal year. The audit shall be completed
prior to the Change of Watch.
Section 3 Social Committee
The Social Committee is responsible for all non-boating social activities.
The Chairperson shall be appointed by the Commodore.
Section 4. Public Affairs Committee
The Public Affairs Committee shall be chaired by a member of the Board
appointed by the Commodore. This committee is responsible for the monthly
bulletin and all other publicity as authorized by the Board members and are
appointed by the Board.
Section 5. By-Laws
The By-laws Committee shall be chaired by a member in good standing and
appointed by the Commodore. The By-laws Committee receives from the Board
and/or the membership all proposals, changes, additional by-laws or amendments
to the Anchor Boat Club, Inc. Said committee is to put forth proposals to the
Board and membership or approval per Article XIV.
Section 6. Sunshine Committee
A. Composition - The Sunshine Committee is to be headed by a
Chairperson who is to be selected by the Commodore. The Chairperson will select
committee members.
B. Duties - The Sunshine Committee will:
1. Send appropriate get-well cards to any member who is ill
and/or hospitalized.
2. Send a condolence card to any member when there has been a
death in the member’s immediate family. (parent, grand-parent, child, brother or
sister.)
3. In the event of the death of a club member, flowers/fruit
and a condolence card will be sent to the family. The cost of flowers/fruit
shall not exceed $100.00. Any amount over $100.00 must be approved by the
Board.
Section 8. Other Committees
The Commodore, with approval of the Board, may appoint such other
standing and temporary committees as are deemed necessary for the efficient
operation and management of The Club and to act under the supervision of those
members of the Board designated by the Commodore.
Section 8A. Nominations and Election Committee
A. Composition - A chairperson and four members, selected by the
Commodore
B. Duties - The following duties will be performed:
1. Nominate candidates for the office to be filled at the annual
meeting. The committee shall report at the regular meeting in October. At this
regular meeting, additional nominations from the floor shall be permitted.
2. Distribute ballots, regular or absentee, for the election.
Absentee ballots for members who are sick, incapacitated or out of town must be
mailed to the Election Committee, Anchor Boat Club Inc., PO Box 351501, Palm
Coast, Florida 32135 and postmarked eight days in advance of the election. Such
ballots shall not be opened prior to the election.
3. Determine that only members in good standing vote.
Section 9 - Sergeant-At-Arms
The Sergeant At-Arms shall be appointed by the Commodore, will be a member in
good standing, and have some knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order. He/she will
be responsible for preserving order during regular and special membership
meetings, provide and maintain a member attendance log and report to the
Secretary the presence or absence of a quorum. In addition he/she may be asked
to maintain and distribute identification tags and manage activity registration
sheets.
ARTICLE IX: PROPERTY RIGHTS
Only voting members in good standing shall have any right or interest in The
Club and its properties. Termination of membership by resignation, death,
expulsion or otherwise shall operate as a release of all rights, title and
interest in the property and assets of The Club.
ARTICLE X: INDEMNIFICATION
Each member of the Board, officers, agents or committee members of The Club
shall be indemnified and held harmless against all expenses and costs reasonably
incurred by him/her in connection with or resulting from any action, suit or
proceedings brought by or in behalf of or against The Club to which he/she may
be made a party by reason of being or having been a member of the Board, an
officer, committee member or agent of The Club, except in relation to matters
as to which he/she shall finally be adjudged therein to have been liable for or
guilty of gross or willful negligence or misconduct in the performance of
his/her duties in The Club. In the case of settlement of any such action, suit,
proceedings or claims before final adjudication, the said right of such
indemnification shall exist (except as to amounts paid or payable to The Club
pursuant to such settlement), but only to the extent, if any, which the Board
may authorize.
ARTICLE XI: ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS
Section 1. Election of Officers
Any candidate seeking office for the position of Commodore must be a member
in good standing of the Anchor Boat Club for a minimum of one (1) year. They
must have attended at least four (4) of the last twelve (12) general membership
meetings. All other candidates seeking office as an officer or Board member
must be in good standing and attended at least four (4) of the general
membership meetings. At the annual meeting, a majority vote for a
candidate for an office other than for the Board, shall constitute election for
that particular office. If a majority vote is not obtained on the first ballot,
a runoff ballot shall be cast for the two candidates receiving the greater
number of votes until a majority is received by one candidate.
Section 2. Board of Directors
All candidates for the Board shall run at-large for the positions to be
filled each year. The two candidates receiving the greater number of votes
shall be declared elected to the Board. Should there be a tie vote, a runoff
ballot shall be cast until a majority is obtained for each candidate
ARTICLE XII: CLUB COLORS AND BURGEE
The burgees and colors of The Club shall be of pennant design 10” x 15”
consisting of the colors Scarab Green and Royal Blue with the insignia of an
anchor and the letters “ABC”, to be flown in accordance with yacht etiquette.
ARTICLE XIII: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Orders, Newly
Revised shall govern The Club in all cases to which they are applicable and in
which they are not inconsistent with these by-laws and any special rule of order
The Club may adopt.
ARTICLE XIV: AMENDMENTS OF BY-LAWS
The by-laws of The Club may be amended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds
of the membership present at a regular, annual or special meeting of the
membership called for that purpose upon 30 days following written notice to the
membership setting forth the proposed amendments. Amendments may be proposed by
the Board or by a written request setting forth the proposed amendment signed by
at least ten percent of the members in good standing. Voting on a proposed new
by-laws, and/or by-law amendment is to be held no later than 60 days and no
sooner than 30 days after the proposal for such new by-laws and/or amendments at
a general membership meeting.
ARTICLE XV GENERAL RULES
1. Payment for any trip or event must be paid for 10 days in
advance. No refunds after the 10 day period except on a case by case basis,
submitted to the Board for approval.
2. Non-members will pay an additional fee over
regular members when attending Club functions. Amount is to be determined for
that function by the Board. |