By-Laws of the
Directors Handbook PDF Version
Copy of Notice sent to members electronically on 4-6-04
“
This is to serve as official notice of a proposed amendment
change to the Great Falls Ski Club By-Laws with these proposed changes to be
voted on at our Regularly scheduled meeting on
Background:
At our clubs regularly scheduled March, 2004 Board meeting I Marvin R. Jordan, Ski Club President brought up an issue that involved under-aged alcohol consumption on our March 2004 Blacktail ski trip. This issue had to be addressed as it could potentially ruin the club, officers and potentially members if left unchecked. During the discussion once again the age of members was brought-up, this has been discussed at least three other times during my presidency and each time the issue was addressed and solved. Obviously the measures put into place were not enough so we had to work on modifying new ones.
I was charged at the March Board meeting to take those ideas
suggested by your Board members and incorporate them into our By-Laws. This
was done and a copy of By-laws sent to each Board Member for review and
comment. I did not receive any negative feedback on the proposed changes.
It was brought to my attention that a 2/3 majority at a General Membership
meeting must approve these changes at our
At our March General membership meeting I attempted to discuss the problem as tactfully as possible and try and gain consensus to the change without naming names. I was happy the persons involved spoke up as it made the task easier. A motion was made by the group and passed at this meeting to allow only those ten years old and above in age to attend trips. The other issues of membership qualification were briefed without any comment or vote. Additionally the position of Trip trustee was not voted on and it was suggested that it be handled by Board appointment.
Attached is a current copy of the By-laws that was amended and approved by the membership in 1996. Please refer to this document if you have any questions during your review of this notice as changes to By-Laws effect this document.
Note: All changes are underlined.
Article II currently reads as follows:
“ARTICLE
II.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Any person of either sex interested in
skiing or affiliated sports is eligible for membership in the Great Falls Ski
Club.”
Proposed change that would incorporate those concerns/views expressed by Directors and Officers:
“ARTICLE II.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Any person 18 years or older
interested in skiing or affiliated sports is eligible for membership in the
Family Membership: Two or more people in same family/household.
Family Membership allows those less than 18 years of age to participate in club
activities/events while under supervision of their respective sponsor.
Additionally, persons under the age of 18 cannot vote in elections.”
Article XII, Section 2 currently reads as follows:
ARTICLE
XII
TRIPS
Section 2. Members that are not of legal drinking
age must have a trip sponsor that; will participate in the trip, ensure that
alcohol is not consumed by underage member throughout the entire trip and a
release signed by both parties agreeing to conditions.
Proposed
change is to add a minimum age. This age was proposed by the general membership
at our March 2004 meeting:
ARTICLE XII
TRIPS
Section 2. Minimum age for bus trips is ten
years (10) old. Members that are not of legal drinking age must have a trip
sponsor that; will participate in the trip, ensure that alcohol is not consumed
by underage member throughout the entire trip and a release signed by both
parties agreeing to conditions.
Add a board position of Trustee.
This ARTICLE VII.
Insert new section 5 and re-number
TRIP TRUSTEE:
Trip Trustee position was created to serve as a
clearinghouse of information for all in country club trips. Trustee using
his/her contacts can normally secure group discounts based on experience
dealing with travel industry. Trip Trustee is a non-voting Board position and
will not run in-country trips but get them started passing them off to
coordinator. Trip coordinators will consult will trustee prior to booking in an
effort to ensure club gets best value for each trip (complimentary rooms
etc.). Trip Trustee serves Board as travel
consultant specializing in out of country travel running international trips
(does not include
Trip
Trustee term has no specific limit but Board reserves right to replace trustee
for cause or vacation of position by trustee. Trustee may hold other position
within club simultaneously.
Presidents Comments:
When I accepted nomination for
re-election for 2004-/05 season it was with the understanding that I would not
be placed in a position of personal liability. The first two changes in this notice
were geared at addressing real issues that could bring harm to us all and need
to be addressed. Trip Trustee is just a thought for continuity so we do not get
over charged on trips.
In good faith I have attempted to discharge my duties with club well being placed above all else. We may not have done everything in strict compliance of Roberts Rules of Order” but I can assure you all things were done with the clubs best interest in mind. If steps are not taken to lay down our thoughts in our founding document we will be doomed to continue to repeat our failures.
In my terms we have made great strides to enhance club activities and increase participation to a modern record level. We have established new programs and traveled around the world along with paying back to our local community through ski education and support of Showdown. On a financial level we have saved a great deal in the past years by taking our newsletter in-house, a task that routinely cost $300.00 per issue that now only cost us $60.00 or less. Additionally, we lowered dues back in 1996 where a family could belong for $30.00. Our management of the Ski Swap has taken fund raising to an art where we do not lose any money. Developed and continue to maintain a website devoted to ski club activities. We have the better relationships than we have had in years with Ski Patrol, Eagle Mount and especially sponsors and local businesses. I personally do not want to take any steps backward but continue to move forward making our club a better origination.
If there is a compelling ground swell to change our club and it’s direction from where it has gone under my leadership please let me know at our April meeting so I can make personal adjustments to my interaction with the ski club.
Please make every attempt to attend our final General Membership Meeting of the year April 16th, Moose lodge, Black Eagle and also remember Saturday April 10th is Mannequin Jumping contest and Scavenger Hunt @ Showdown.
Copy of this notice will be placed on the web @ http://home.sofast.net/~gfski/ ”
Marvin R. Jordan
Current By-laws
ARTICLE I.
NAME
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be "
Section 2. This organization shall be a not-for-profit tax-exempt
organization located in
Section 3. The office and principal place of business of the organization
shall be located in
ARTICLE II.
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Any person of either sex interested in skiing or affiliated sports is eligible for membership in the Great Falls Ski Club.
Subpart 1, Members under the legal drinking age who participate in club activities where alcohol may be provided (Ski bus trips for example) must be accompanied by an adult member(over 21 years old) who agrees to be responsible for and to ensure that any and all laws regarding the consumption of alcohol by minors is strictly adhered to. Additionally, that the Great Falls Ski Club and it’s officers will not be held responsible.
Section 2 Any member may have their membership revoked for failing to comply with stated rules or behavior that is not appropriate as judged by general membership.
Section 3 Trial membership may be offered on a one-time basis to preview club activities such as ski trips. There will be a fee of $10.00 for this membership. Trial membership gives the holder no regular club benefits such as newsletter mailing or access to other club functions.
ARTICLE III.
DUES
Section 1. The annual dues for membership in this organization shall be set by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IV.
GOVERNMENT
Section 1. The government of this organization shall be vested in the Board of Directors elected as provided in these By-Laws, subject to approval by the members.
Section 2. The Board of Directors shall have control and custody of the property and finances of this organization. Provided that, said Board of Directors shall have no power to expend or authorize expenditures or incur any indebtedness to excess of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) for any purpose or project unless approved by two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors at a regular or special meeting.
Section 3. Funds of this organization may be withdrawn from the bank with which they are on deposit by the signature of the Treasurer and/or President, and in no other way.
Section 4. Vacancies in the Board of Directors or the position of any officer shall be filled by appointment by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors, the appointee to serve for the duration of the term of the individual whose position he was appointed to fill. Vacancies in the office of the President shall be filled by appointment by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE V.
COMMITTEES
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall decide upon committees deemed proper and necessary to fulfill the object and purpose of this organization. Committee chairmen and members shall be appointed by the President subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
Section 2. It shall be the duty of the Membership Chairman, duly appointed by the current President and approved by the Board of Directors, to choose a committee and actively pursue all means of soliciting members for the club each year. The Membership Chairman will be responsible to the Board of Directors, attend its meetings, and be governed by its decisions.
ARTICLE VI.
ELECTIONS
Section 1. The Board of Directors and Officers shall be elected by the members.
Section 2. At the first regular meeting in January each year, the President shall announce a Nominating Committee of five (5) members in good standing. The immediate Past President shall be Chairman of this committee. If he/she is unavailable, his nearest predecessor shall be Chairman.
Section 3. Elections of Officers shall be held at the March meeting. Directors elected at that time shall serve for two years.
Section 4. Nominations for candidates for office will be made by the members at the February meeting. The Nominating Committee shall see that two candidates be listed for each elective office.
Section 5. Officers to be elected consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and six Directors. Three of said Directors shall be elected to a two-year term, and the remaining three Directors shall be elected on the alternate year to a two-year term. The immediate Past President shall automatically assume the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Officers are members of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII.
OFFICERS
Section 1. The Officers of this organization shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. Officers must be members in good standing and likewise members of the Board of Directors.
Section 2. All Officers' duties shall be such as ordinarily pertain to and are indicated by the titles of their offices.
Section 3. The President shall direct and supervise the affairs of the organization, preside at all meetings and shall make an annual report to the members.
Section 4. The Treasurer shall report in detail monthly to the Board of Directors and to the organization all sums expended and received, all outstanding obligations and such other matters as may be deemed proper.
Section 5. The Secretary shall give notice of all meetings and shall keep the minutes of all meetings. He/she shall be custodian of all official records of this organization.
Section 6, The Trip Trustee position was created
to serve as a clearinghouse of information for all in country club trips.
Trustee using his/her contacts can normally secure group discounts based on
experience dealing with travel industry. Trip Trustee is a non-voting Board
position and will not run in-country trips but get them started passing them
off to coordinator. Trip coordinators will consult will trustee prior to
booking in an effort to ensure club gets best value for each trip
(complimentary rooms etc.). Trip Trustee serves Board as travel
consultant specializing in out of country travel running international trips
(does not include
Section 7, Officers and Directors shall take
office immediately upon election.
ARTICLE VIII.
MEETINGS
Section 1. The annual election meeting of this organization will be held in March. The purpose of this meeting will be the election of officers and the consideration of other business. Notice of this meeting will be given each member at least ten days before the date of this meeting.
Section 2. This organization shall hold regular monthly meetings.
Section 3. Special meetings of this organization shall be called by the President or the Secretary upon the request of six (6) members, or upon the decision of the Board of Directors.
Section 4. Any Director who fails to attend three (3) successive meetings of the Board of Directors shall automatically lose his/her right to serve as a Director until the next annual meeting and a vacancy on the Board of Directors shall thereby occur.
Section 5. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at the call of the Chairman or President.
Section 6. Special meetings of the Directors shall be called by the President or Secretary at the request of four (4) Directors.
Section 7. Any number of members present at any regular monthly meeting of the members shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE IX.
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any general meeting, or at any special meeting, a notice of such meeting and the fact of such intended amendment being necessary.
Section 2. Any new By-Law which does not amend these By-Laws may be adopted by a majority of the members present at any general meeting or special meeting, a notice of such meeting and of such intended amendment being necessary.
ARTICLE X.
LIFE MEMBERS
Section 1. The Secretary shall keep an official list of Life Members of this club. The list shall consist of the names of Life Members as presented to the Board of Directors at their meeting in December of 1975, and such other names as shall either be selected or qualify automatically under this provision.
Section 2. Each Life Member shall be entitled to membership in this club for life, free of charge imposed directly by the club.
Section 3. Each Past President of this club shall automatically be a Life Member.
Section 4. The Board of Directors may, in their discretion, award one Life Membership each year which, if awarded, shall be presented at the awards meeting in the spring.
ARTICLE XI
DISSOLUTION
Section 1. In the event that the club membership votes to dissolve the club as it is know one of the following options for dispersal of remaining finances must be exercised: (to be added)
ARTICLE XII
TRIPS
Section 1. Only members in good standing may attend ski club trips. The only exception to this is a one-time trial membership that will be purchased at the time of trip for a fee of $10.00.
Section 2. Members that are not of legal drinking age must have a trip sponsor that; will participate in the trip, ensure that alcohol is not consumed by underage member throughout the entire trip where the Ski Club may be held liable, release signed by both parties agreeing to conditions.
Section 3. It is the responsibility of the Trip Coordinator to ensure that all under age members have a sponsor and signed release prior to departure. Additionally all under aged members will be identified to the trip participants once all have assembled on the bus. (This should be done in a Very light manner to avoid embarrassment however the seriousness of the matter should be stressed.)
Section 4. Trip Coordinators: Must be willing to dedicate a large amount of time to the planning and execution of trips they volunteer for.
Section 5. Deposit amounts must be established to protect the club and insure trip integrity. Moneys for trips must be received by (date established by coordinator). A non-refundable cutoff date shall be established for each trip, at this time that spot opens up for anyone else that wishes to participate in the trip. In matters of extenuating circumstance a forfeited deposit may be returned only after the Board of Directors reviews all facts during a regular board meeting. All moneys forfeited shall be placed in the general fund.
Section 6. The Great Falls Ski Club will not be responsible or held liable for any actions of individuals during a trip, nor will any consideration for refund be entertained when a member has violated any local laws/ordinances that prevent participation in trip activities at anytime during a trip.
Section 7.
All Sections with Proposed in front are pending vote by membership
Thanks for taking the time to read our By-Laws
Reviewed for accuracy 4-6-2004