BRAZOS RIVER CORVETTE CLUB
Constitution and Bylaws
Revision 7, 11/04/2010
ARTICLE I - PURPOSE
SECTION 1: NAME
The name of the club shall be the Brazos River Corvette Club. Defined in this document as the "Club".
SECTION 2: PURPOSE
The general purpose of the Club will be to promote increased enjoyment of the Corvette ownership to the Club members by providing planned, regulated, social and competitive activities, to provide support to local organizations, and to encourage careful and skillful driving on public highways.
ARTICLE II - FISCAL YEAR
SECTION 1: FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal period of the Club will run from January 1 of each year to December 31 of the same year.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1: MEMBERSHIP
Memberships in the Club will be restricted to Corvette owners and spouses or companions who hold a valid license to operate motor vehicles upon the public roads and who are properly insured. Additionally a Associate membership is open to Corvette enthusiasts on a limited basis.
SECTION 2: CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP
Member: A Corvette owner and spouse or companion as specified in having made application for membership and receiving approval as outlined in ARTICLE III Section 3.
Associate membership: Are members who have sold their only Corvette, and
will be referred to as an associate member ARTICLE III Section 3. Associate status is for a maximum of 1 year. Associate members who become Corvette owners will be automatically upgraded to regular member status upon payment of applicable fees.
SECTION 3: APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Applicants for Member submit a completed and signed official Club Application for Membership (available from the Membership Meetings or the Club's website), together with the appropriate dues as specified by the club treasurer (see ARTICLE III Section 6). Potential member will show evidence of ownership of a Corvette, and proof of public liability insurance coverage on that Corvette and have attended meetings and events as required on the membership application.. These requisites will be reviewed by the Treasurer and annotated on the application.
Applications will be reviewed and approved/rejected at the next meeting. Applications may be rejected for cause. Any member may inform officers of reasons why an application should be rejected. Rejection of an application requires a majority vote of the officers in attendance at the meeting. Upon successful completion of the application/review process, new members or associate members will be introduced and given their applicable membership package at the next meeting.
SECTION 4: RESIGNATION
Any member may resign by directing a letter of resignation to the Club President. His/her resignation shall be effective upon receipt, provided all indebtedness to the Club is paid. No refund of fees or dues will be made to the resigning member.
SECTION 5: EXPULSION
At the discretion of the club officers, a member receiving a restricted license as a penalty for traffic violations may forfeit Club membership and all rights and privileges thereof, effective the date the restriction is legal and/or such a restriction is made known to the Club President or other Club officer. If a Club member is expelled under this section they are not entitled to any refunds or monies paid to the Club as fees or dues. If expelled a member may rejoin the Club when the term of the license restriction has elapsed by submitting a written application for membership and the appropriate amount of dues to the Club Treasurer.
A Corvette owner having become a Club member, then selling or otherwise disposing of the Corvette, may retain Club membership for the remainder of the year if that member so desires. However, should it become evident to the Club that such a member has lost interest in the Club, a ruling majority may cancel that membership. If that club member elects, they can be transitioned into the Associate Member status at the end of their normal membership and retain that status for an additional year or until they acquire another Corvette. The shorter of the two scenarios apply, as long as the proper dues are submitted.
Membership will automatically lapse for nonpayment of dues at the end of each fiscal year plus 31 days. This clause, however, is subject to ARTICLE III Section 6
Any member may be expelled for the infraction of the Club rules, or such other causes as my be determined by the Club President and approved by the Club ruling majority. However, before such expulsion action is taken, the member will have an opportunity to submit in writing or in person his/her position on any charge of which he/she shall be notified.
SECTION 6: INITIATION FEES AND DUES
The dues for new members and their spouses or companions will be set forth annually. Dues for new members joining during the calendar year will be calculated based on a pro-rata basis. Membership will include up to two nametags, a Club decal and a copy of the Bylaws and Member Directory.
The dues for new single members will be set forth annually. Dues for new members joining during the calendar year will be calculated based on a pro-rata basis. Membership will include one nametag, a Club decal and a copy of the Bylaws and Member Directory.
The club has elected to join the National Counsel of Corvette Clubs (NCCC) on a 51% membership basis. Therefore, it is a club requirement that all new members joining the club after May 4th, 2006 will be assessed the NCCC (National Counsel of Corvette Clubs) fee in addition to the above membership dues. Membership includes membership card, membership pin, a copy of NCCC competition rules and various discounts and insurance coverage's.
The dues for Associate Members is one full years dues and the membership expires one year from date of acceptance of that membership and not renewable. Associate members are not required to belong to the NCCC. With the acquisition of a Corvette they must be transitioned to full membership and pay applicable club and NCCC dues.
Pro-rata club dues schedule is as follows; 1st quarter full dues, 2nd quarter 25% discount, 3rd quarter 50% discount and members joining in the 4th quarter will be assessed full dues which will be applicable to the new year. NCCC dues are not pro-rated and applied as defined by the NCCC.
Club dues must be paid within thirty one (31) days of October 1st or the member may be subject to expulsion under ARTICLE III Section 5. Should a member fail to pay his/her dues within the above-mentioned thirty one (31) days, and subsequently pays prior to Dec 31st will be subject to a NCCC late fee. This would also result in the loss of the member's seniority. Memberships in 2011 are valid till Dec 31, 2011, however the new billing cycle will start Oct 1, 2011 (As amended 2/7/08)
SECTION 7: PRIVILEGES AND MEMBERSHIP
Members and member spouses or companions are entitled to all Club privileges and can participate in all the Club events. Associate members can participate on a limited basis as prescribed by the Club officers.
ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS
SECTION 1: ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting of the members will be held the 1st Thursday of October of each year for the purpose of nominating new officers, reports from officers and committees, and such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
SECTION 2: ELECTION MEETING
Election for new officers will be held the 1st Thursday of November of each year ARTICLE V Section 3.
SECTION 3: MONTHLY MEETING
Regular monthly business meetings will be held the 1st Thursday of each month at a designated location posted on the club calendar and in published minutes.
SECTION 4: MONTHLY REPORT MEETING
The business meetings are hereby designated as monthly meetings. At these meetings and the Annual Meeting in October, the Secretary will take meeting minutes. The Secretary's minutes will be published in the club newsletter for members to review. If there are any discrepancies they are to be addressed in the next scheduled monthly meeting. The Treasurer will report the current Club financial situation to the membership and will have a copy for any member to review. The reporting periods will run on a monthly basis.
SECTION 5: SPECIAL MEETING
Special meetings may be called by the President in addition to regular meetings.
SECTION 6: CLUB RULING MAJORITY
All Club actions, and amendments to the Bylaws must be passed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present at the monthly meeting where the subject is discussed. All decisions other than the election of officers at the election meeting are to be considered Club actions. The election of officers and voting shall be done as provided for under ARTICLE V..
SECTION 7: POLICY DECISIONS
Any decisions regarding Club policy that require an immediate decision may be decided by a vote of the majority of the Club officers.
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS & APPOINTEES
SECTION 1: OFFICER ELIGIBILITY
Club members will not be eligible to run for a Club office unless that member has attended a minimum of
fifty percent (50%) of the Club's meetings and events for the year that is ending or in the case of a new
member since their membership application was approved.
SECTION 2: NUMBER OF OFFICERS & APPOINTEES
The officers of the Club shall be: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The President shall appoint the following positions: Events Coordinator, Competition Coordinator, Web Master and Newsletter Editor and they shall serve for one (1) year from January 1 to December 31. The President shall appoint the National Corvette Museum Ambassador and NCCC Governor, they will serve from January 1 year 1 to December 31 year 2.
SECTION 3: SELECTION OF OFFICERS
Candidates for office shall be selected and nominated on a voluntary basis. Candidate selections will be made during the Annual Meeting in October of each year. During those meetings, candidates may volunteer or be nominated for office. The Secretary will record the names of the candidates for the various offices during the meeting. Members not able to attend may obtain a list of the candidates on or after that date from the Secretary.
Ballots for officers will be cast at the Election Meeting in November of each year. Ballots are to be marked in secret and submitted to the Election Committee at the beginning of the Election Meeting A member may not vote unless his/her dues for the current fiscal year have been paid ARTICLE III Section 7.
All officers shall be selected by a majority vote of the valid ballots submitted to the Election Committee at the Election Meeting. The flip of a coin shall determine the winner in the event of a tie for any office. In the case of a three or more tie for an office, the winner will be determined by the luck of the draw. A box with slips of paper equal to the number of people tied for the office shall be used. The winner shall be the person that draws the marked slip.
In the event that any officer resigns, other than the President (See ARTICLE VI Section 2) or they become unable to hold office before the end of his/her term, the remaining officers shall appoint a member to fill the vacancy of the current term, subject to the approval of the Club by the consenting vote of two-thirds (2/3) Club majority as outlined in ARTICLE IV Section 6. An officer may be removed from office by the consenting vote of two-thirds (2/3) Club majority as outlined in ARTICLE IV Section 6.
All officers are expected to attend most if not all monthly Business meetings and as many events as possible. Officers are encouraged to meet and greet new members at events and meetings.
SECTION 4: VOTING
All members in good standing are awarded one (1) vote on all matters brought before the membership at a regular business meeting/annual meeting. Any member whose dues are not paid, and is not a member in good standing, will not be allowed to vote on any issue. Associate members do not have voting privileges.
SECTION 5: ELECTION COMMITTEE
The Election Committee shall consist of one non-running past officer and up to two (2) other non-running members if available. The officer and members will be appointed by the President with the consent of the members as outlined in ARTICLE IV SECTION 6. This shall be done at the Annual Meeting.
ARTICLE VI - OFFICE & APPOINTEE DUTIES
SECTION 1: DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT
The President will preside at all meetings of the members and officers and will administer all Club activities. The President is responsible for the appointment of certain Club functionary positions ARTICLE V Section 2. The President may call special meetings of members under the provisions of ARTICLE IV Section 5. The President will be the Chief Executive of the Club.
SECTION 2: DUTIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
In the absence of the President, or in the case of his resignation or inability to act, the duties usually pertaining to that office will be performed by the Vice President. In the event it becomes necessary to replace the President, the Vice President will become President. The Vice President will assist the President as requested in the administration of the Club, and shall serve as Membership Chairman.
SECTION 3: DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY
The Secretary will attend all meetings of the members and officers and will record the minutes and votes in a book kept for this purpose. The Secretary will have custody of the Club's records of the members' attendance. In the absence of the Secretary from any of the said meetings, the presiding officer will chose a Secretary pro tempore. The Secretary will also provide reports at the monthly meetings and a copy of the most recent minutes (Electronic) to the Web Master.
SECTION 4: DUTIES OF THE TREASURER
The Treasurer will, subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be made by the officers, have custody of all Club monies, debts and obligations belonging to the Club. The Treasurer or any Club officer will be authorized to accept Club memberships or any other monies. Receipts, if requested will be issued to any person applying for membership and paying dues to any officer.
The Treasurer will in conjunction with the Membership Chairman (ARTICLE VI Section 2) keep up-to-date membership records.
The Treasurer will receive all monies of the Club and deposit it into the Club bank account, and will make all payments of Club debts upon approval of the majority of the Club Officers. All contracts, checks, drafts, notes and other orders for payment of money will be signed in the name of the Club Treasurer or the President.
The Treasurer will give a report of the financial status of the Club at the monthly meeting. The Treasurer will keep all monthly reports on file, provide the required documentation to club officers and members upon request.
No obligation, debt or other liability will be incurred by the Treasurer without the specific approval of the majority of the officers. Additionally, the following limits are placed to any expenditure exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00), it will be voted on at a monthly Club meeting in accordance with ARTICLE IV Section 6.
In the absence of the Treasurer from any activity, the presiding officer will appoint a Treasurer pro tempore. Any monies collected will be turned over to the Treasurer at the first opportunity.
SECTION 5: DUTIES OF THE EVENTS COORDINATOR
The Events Coordinator will direct - in coordination with one or more Club officers - the selection and planning of all Club events which includes planning, coordination, and follow through. This person will coordinate formation of BRCC member/officer teams to organize specific Club events. The Events Coordinator will coordinate fund-raising activities in support of the Club selected local organizations.
SECTION 6: DUTIES OF THE COMPETITION COORDINATOR
The Competition Coordinator shall organize and coordinate all competition and skill driving activities to include track, drag, autocross, rally and road events. These events may or may not be NCCC (National Counsel of Corvette Clubs) related. The Competition Coordinator, shall maintain and disseminate a competition schedule to all interested members of the club via the Web or e-mail. The Competition Coordinator may appoint club members to lead various activities. The Competition Coordinator shall work with the NCCC Governor if the event is NCCC sanctioned to ensure the event is in compliance with all NCCC rules.
SECTION 7: DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM AMBASSADOR
The National Corvette Museum Ambassador will be the communication link between the Brazos River Corvette Club and the National Corvette Museum and must be a current member of the National Corvette Museum. The Ambassador will keep the members informed of Museum activities, events and Corvette enthusiast's desires.
SECTION 8: DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL COUNSEL OF CORVETTE CLUBS (NCCC) GOVERNOR
The National Counsel of Corvette Clubs Governor will be the communication link between the Brazos River Corvette Club and the NCCC and must be a current member of the NCCC. The Governor will keep the members informed of NCCC activities, events and will coordinate any insurance request by the club.
SECTION 9: DUTIES OF THE WEB MASTER
The Web Master will be responsible for the maintaining and updating of the Club's official website - www.brazosrivercc.com. Information on the website will be in harmony with the purpose of the Club. Information will be updated on a regular basis, giving Club members and prospective members current information about Club events and activities. The Web Master will keep Club officers informed of significant changes to the web page.
SECTION 10: DUTIES OF THE NEWSLETTER EDITOR
The Editor will be responsible for assigning members to report on Club activities (including awards won and notify the Secretary), keeping a calendar of events, assembling and publishing the Club's newsletter at monthly intervals in electronic format to the Web Master. The Editor will maintain communication with the President regarding the newsletter contents.
SECTION 11: ASSUMPTION OF DUTIES
Another officer if necessary may assume any officer's duties.
ARTICLE VII - ACTIVITIES
SECTION 1: ACTIVITIES
The activities of the Club will consist of planned trips, social gatherings and competitive events as directed by the President and the Events Coordinator. Events will be planned and scheduled at regular meetings of the Club officers. Any suggestions from the Club members will be welcome. Any member wishing to plan and direct an event will be welcome to do so, as long as the Events Coordinator feels the event is in keeping with Club policies and purpose. Any committee required to organize an event will be formed according to the provisions in ARTICLE IV Section 5.
SECTION 2: NOTIFICATION OF ACTIVITIES
Members will be advised of all meeting and events via the Club website, where feasible, and via telephone and email when time does not permit a mailed notification. Activities will be planned in advance so that all particulars may be outlined in the Club minutes and on the website. When time does not permit a mailing, an attempt will be made to notify all members of changes or new activities by telephone and email. The website will be updated regularly to reflect current information about Club events and activities.
SECTION 3: PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES
All members in good standing will be allowed to participate in any open event.
Any member participating in Club displays, etc., will conform to the Club's standards for that display. Additional signs or displays will not be permitted.
SECTION 4: CONDUCT OF MEMBERS
Club members participating in all Club activities will conduct themselves in a socially acceptable manner. Anyone causing embarrassment to the Club or Club Sponsor will be subject to expulsion under ARTICLE III Section 5.
ARTICLE VIII - CLUB ROSTER
SECTION 1: CLUB ROSTER
It will be Club policy to provide rosters of member's names, addresses and phone numbers to the Club members only. A general public distribution of rosters will not be made in an attempt to prevent undesirable persons from obtaining a list of club members.
ARTICLE IX - LIABILITY
SECTION 1: PERSONAL LIABILITY
All persons or corporations extending credit to, contracting with, or having any claim against the Club or its officers, will look only to funds and property of the Club for payment of any such contract or claim or for payment of any debt, damage, judgment, or decree or any other money that may otherwise become payable to them from the Club or the officers; so that neither the members of the Club, the officers, present nor future, will be liable personally therefore.
SECTION 2: WAIVER OF LIABILITY
All participants in any Club-sponsored activity for which a participation entrance fee is required must sign a liability waiver that will release the Club from liability for damages caused by or to the participant.
ARTICLE X - DISSOLUTION
SECTION 1: DISSOLUTION OF THE CLUB
In the event the Club is disbanded, after all outstanding debts have been paid, the assets of the Club shall be distributed as determined by a two-thirds majority of the remaining members. The assets may not benefit anyone associated with the organization.
ARTICLE XI - BYLAWS
SECTION 1: AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS
The officers of the Club or any ten (10) voting members by written proposal submitted by the President may propose an amendment to the Bylaws. Upon such a proposal being made, the proposal shall be made to the members at the next regularly scheduled meeting. If two-thirds (2/3) of the members present are qualified to vote, vote in favor of the proposal, the proposed amendment shall thereby be approved and adopted. All proposals brought before the Club must be in writing and may be modified by the proposing member after discussion, but must be in writing when an approval vote is made.
ARTICLE XII - LOGO
SECTION 1: LOGO
The Brazos River Corvette Club logo is a trademark of the Club and any use of the logo must be authorized by a majority vote of the officers.
