R.C. BUSH PILOTS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, INC.
BY-LAWS
(As Amended February 3, 2009)
ARTICLE I -Name, Location and Incorporation
1. The name of the organization shall be R.C. Bush Pilots of Palm Beach County, Inc., and shall hereafter be referred to and designated “Club”.
2. The principle mailing address of the Club shall be designated by the club Secretary.
3. The Club is a non-profit organization (corporation) organized under the Florida Non-Profit Corporation regulations.
ARTICLE II -Purpose
Subject to the limitations set forth in the Articles of Incorporation, the primary objective of the Club is to promote and foster educational and technical advancement in model aeronautics, to give recognition to model leadership, and to provide guidance and direction of model aeronautic affairs by those individuals, who through their accomplishments in the model field, have demonstrated their qualifications for such responsibilities.
More specific purposes are listed below, but shall not be considered all inclusive.
1) To encourage, through recognition, leadership in all phases of model building and activities.
2) To keep modelers informed through publication or posting of news bulletins.
3) To encourage the contribution of articles covering model developments for the Club bulletins.
4) To solicit interested organizations and individuals for group support of education and development needs related to model aeronautics, etc.
5) To guide and direct model activities as required to best service the members and Club and the general hobby of modeling.
6) To establish and maintain official records, safety code and contests in accordance with the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) with the goal to obtain and maintain gold leader club status.
7) To promote recognition in the Palm Beaches and surrounding areas of all officially sanctioned competitions and special events that are conducted by AMA contest directors.
8) To maintain and improve our flying field to be enjoyed by its members for all flying model aircrafts as outlined by the AMA.
9) To have as its guiding principle “Of, By, and For the Model Builders of All Ages”.
ARTICLE III -Membership
1) Membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) whose standard validity is no less than one calendar year (junior, senior, open, full, life) is a prerequisite for active membership in the RC Bush Pilots. Introductory, three month trial or other AMA memberships whose standard validity is less than one year is not accepted for membership. Proof of current AMA membership must be provided with a membership application for any member applying for junior or open status. Associate or non-flying members do not have to be a member of the AMA. Any individual who demonstrates an interest in the building or flying of model aircraft in the furthering of the Club shall be eligible for membership. The membership shall be divided in accordance with the AMA.
a) Junior Members - up to 18 years old inclusive.
b) Open Members - 19 years or more of age.
c) Honorary Members - those individuals who are given special recognition of contribution to modeling or the Club upon the approval of the membership. Membership benefits shall include free bulletins, and membership card to the term of recommendation by the membership.
d) Associate Members – those members who wish to be active in the club, but are not active pilots. Membership in the AMA is not required to be an Associate Member. Associate membership badges will indicate that the member is not permitted to operate any aircraft.
2) The Board of Directors’ determination on eligibility or class of membership shall be conclusive. Upon acceptance for membership, each individual shall agree to accept and abide by the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Field Safety Rules of the Club and to pay such dues as may from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors and approved by the membership.
Article IV- Club Safety Violation Procedures
It is the responsibility of every Club member to bring any observed serious violations of the field rules or conduct detrimental to Club in general to attention of the President, or the Vice President or Safety Officer who will refer the matter to the President. The matter will be held in the strictest confidence and not be discussed with anyone who is not involved. If the President deems the incident to be of sufficient importance, or is a repeated offence he may appoint an ad hoc Investigating Committee comprising three Club members, one and only one of which must be either the Vice President or the Safety Officer. The complainant must be prepared to meet with the accused person. No anonymous complaints will be considered.
The Investigating Committee will exist for 90 days or until it submits it’s report, whichever occurs first, and then will be dissolved.
The Investigating Committee will investigate the incident(s), first interviewing the complainant, then any witnesses, and finally discuss the matter with the person accused of the infraction. During the investigation the accused person may request a meeting with the complainant and the witnesses. The accused will be given an opportunity to respond to any and all accusations and will be treated in a courteous manner at all times during the investigation. The Committee will not discuss an ongoing or completed investigation with anyone except the individuals involved. The recommendations of the Committee will be communicated only to the President. The Committee must submit a report within 90 days from the date of appointment.
At the conclusion of the investigation the Investigating Committee will provide a written report of its findings to the President. This report will include a recommendation of action to be taken. The only actions that may be recommended are:
No action
Formal letter of warning
Expulsion from the Club
The report will include a record of the votes of the three Committee members.
Upon receipt of the report of the Investigating Committee the President will take the following action;
If the recommendation is "no action" the matter is closed, and no record of the proceedings will be retained.
If the recommendation is a letter of warning the President will prepare such a letter that will be mailed or personally presented to the accused. At the discretion of the President an announcement of this disposition of the case may be made at a Club meeting or in the Newsletter. The Committee report and a copy of the letter of warning will be retained by the Secretary for a period of two years.
If the recommendation is expulsion the President will make an appropriate motion at the next regularly scheduled club meeting. The report of the Committee will be presented so that the members present may make an informed decision
The content of the report of the Committee will not be recorded in the minutes. A secret ballot will be taken. There is no requirement for prior notice in the Newsletter. Expulsion requires a two thirds affirmative vote of the members present. The 10% quorum rule prevails and no proxy votes are permitted. In the event of expulsion the President will prepare a letter stating the action which will be sent by certified mail to the expelled person. The expelled member will be reimbursed on a pro rata basis for the balance of any annual dues that have been paid. The Committee report, a copy of the letter of expulsion and a copy of the canceled dues refund check, if applicable, will be retained by the Secretary for a period of two years.
An ex-member who has been expelled may apply for membership after a period of one year from the date of expulsion. Application for new membership will be reviewed by the Board of Directors, and an answer will be returned within 30 days.
ARTICLE V - Dues
The Board of Directors shall recommend dues for all classes of membership and subject the recommendation to a majority vote of the membership. Any member who fails to pay his annual dues within 30 days after they are due and payable shall be dropped from the membership rolls.
Any assessment passed by membership will be due within 90 days.
New pilots applying for membership after August 1 will pay only 50% of the regular membership dues rate for the remainder of the calendar year. This reduction in dues in only in effect for first time members in their initial year of membership. Past members will be required to pay dues in full regardless of when the membership application is completed.
ARTICLE VI – Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, as well as all committee chairmen, both standing and temporary.
Elected Officer Duties
**Officers shall be jointly and equally responsible to assure that the club responsibilities and required documents are fulfilled and completed in a timely manner. **
1. President: The President shall be the executive officer of the club and shall preside at all meetings. He shall be the spokesman for the club. He shall appoint standing and special committee chairmen as needed. Standing committees shall include: Field Safety, Field Maintenance, and Newsletter Editor. The President will cast the deciding vote in any case where a tie vote is encountered.
2. Vice-President: The Vice-President shall assist the president in all matters and assume the duties of president in the absence of the current president.
3. Secretary: The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all club meetings including meeting attendance. Meeting minutes must be sent to all members in good standing either through mailing or posting the minutes on the club’s web page. The Secretary shall also maintain the clubs current membership records and club archives.
4. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of dues or any monies owed to the organization, maintaining appropriate records of all club monetary transactions, and shall provide a treasurer’s report at each monthly meeting. The treasurer is authorized to pay any and all of the club’s obligations out of club funds. The treasurer is authorized to disburse a maximum of $250 for club related expenses when approved in writing by any two elected officers of the club. Written approval may be provided by fax, e-mail or hand written notification.
**The duly elected President and Vice-President shall not be active officers of any other model airplane club.**
If the President is unable to complete his term of office, the Vice President shall assume the Presidency. If any other officer is unable to complete his term of duty, the president shall appoint a successor to serve out the un-expired term.
Appointed Standing Committee Chairman Duties
The following standing committee chairmen will be appointed by the president and will provide a monthly committee report at all monthly general meetings. The chairmen will also attend the monthly Board of Directors’ meeting.
1. Safety Officer: The Safety Officer shall be in charge of the overall safety environment of the field. The safety officer shall also develop field rules that promote safe flying practices but do not unfairly restrict the pursuit of flying model activities. Rules cannot conflict or supersede the AMA safety code. The Safety Officer will ensure that these rules are clearly posted at the field. The safety officer is authorized to order any pilot to cease any unsafe operation, and conduct safety inspections of all equipment used at the field. The safety officer shall have the authority to appoint deputies to assist in maintaining a safe environment for both pilots and spectators.
2. Field Maintenance Director shall be in charge of maintaining field conditions, planning repair of needed projects and planning and implementation of field improvement projects.
3. Newsletter Editor: The Newsletter Editor shall be responsible for the monthly coordination of articles by club members and publication of the club newsletter. The newsletter can be published and mailed to the membership, or posted on the club’s web page.
The Board of Directors shall have the authority to supervise the affairs of the Club, subject to the approval of the membership.
Decisions of policy shall not be at variance with the stated purposes and objectives of these By-Laws or Articles of Incorporation or in conflict with the written policies of the AMA.
ARTICLE VII-Nominations ,Elections and Term of Office
The nomination of officers will take place on an open floor basis in the October monthly meeting. No nomination of any person will be accepted without the nominee’s indication of their willingness to serve. Nominations will be published in the meeting minutes and the monthly newsletter. A proxy/absentee ballot will be included in the monthly newsletter. Submitted absentee ballots must be signed by the club member and received by the Secretary before the election.
Elections will be held at the November monthly meeting. Written secret ballots will be used. A simple majority will elect. If more than 2 members are running for the same office, and no candidate receives a majority vote, a run-off election will be between the two candidates who received the largest number of votes in the first election.
The term for office is one year, commencing and ending on the first of January.
ARTICLE VIII- Meetings
1) The Board of Directors will have monthly meetings to be called by the President. The Board may approve additional meetings when it is deemed necessary.
2) The regular membership meeting shall be held once each month. Meetings are to be conducted in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order. The Secretary will record minutes of all business conducted at the meeting.
3) Amendments to these By-Laws or assessments may be made by an affirmative vote of 2/3rds majority of the membership responding (in person, proxy or by mail). Proposed amendments must be made known to the general membership via Club publications, stating the meeting night the vote is to be taken, at least twenty (20) days in advance. In this way, members can plan to be at the meeting if they are interested in the issue at hand.
ARTICLE IX - Competition Jurisdiction
All club competitions and special events should follow AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) rules as closely as possible but may be modified for internal competition, as long as modifications are not in conflict with written AMA policy.
ARTICLE X-Newsletter
There shall be an official publication of the Club to be published monthly. The role of this publication shall generally be to serve as a vehicle to accomplish the purposes of the Club. It may offer information of general interest to the membership and shall be a means by which official information is distributed to the membership. The official publication shall be prepared and distributed by/under the supervision of the Secretary and Newsletter Editor.
Article XI – Liquidation of Assets
Should the club find itself without a flying field, the Board of Directors will have one calendar year to secure and new flying site. Should the BOD be unable to secure a new flying site within the specified year, the club will terminate its existence. The club’s assets will be disbursed as follows:
All field improvements are the property of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation department in accordance with the lease.
All capitol equipment will be donated to the AMA ‘s 5th district director to be distributes as he sees fit.
All liquid assets will be disbursed equally to all current members in good standing at the time when the club begins its search for a new field. New membership will not be accepted until the club has begun operation at the newly acquired field.
R.C. BUSH PILOTS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, INC.
BY-LAWS
(As Amended February 3, 2009)
ARTICLE I -Name, Location and Incorporation
1. The name of the organization shall be R.C. Bush Pilots of Palm Beach County, Inc., and shall hereafter be referred to and designated “Club”.
2. The principle mailing address of the Club shall be designated by the club Secretary.
3. The Club is a non-profit organization (corporation) organized under the Florida Non-Profit Corporation regulations.
ARTICLE II -Purpose
Subject to the limitations set forth in the Articles of Incorporation, the primary objective of the Club is to promote and foster educational and technical advancement in model aeronautics, to give recognition to model leadership, and to provide guidance and direction of model aeronautic affairs by those individuals, who through their accomplishments in the model field, have demonstrated their qualifications for such responsibilities.
More specific purposes are listed below, but shall not be considered all inclusive.
1) To encourage, through recognition, leadership in all phases of model building and activities.
2) To keep modelers informed through publication or posting of news bulletins.
3) To encourage the contribution of articles covering model developments for the Club bulletins.
4) To solicit interested organizations and individuals for group support of education and development needs related to model aeronautics, etc.
5) To guide and direct model activities as required to best service the members and Club and the general hobby of modeling.
6) To establish and maintain official records, safety code and contests in accordance with the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) with the goal to obtain and maintain gold leader club status.
7) To promote recognition in the Palm Beaches and surrounding areas of all officially sanctioned competitions and special events that are conducted by AMA contest directors.
8) To maintain and improve our flying field to be enjoyed by its members for all flying model aircrafts as outlined by the AMA.
9) To have as its guiding principle “Of, By, and For the Model Builders of All Ages”.
ARTICLE III -Membership
1) Membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) whose standard validity is no less than one calendar year (junior, senior, open, full, life) is a prerequisite for active membership in the RC Bush Pilots. Introductory, three month trial or other AMA memberships whose standard validity is less than one year is not accepted for membership. Proof of current AMA membership must be provided with a membership application for any member applying for junior or open status. Associate or non-flying members do not have to be a member of the AMA. Any individual who demonstrates an interest in the building or flying of model aircraft in the furthering of the Club shall be eligible for membership. The membership shall be divided in accordance with the AMA.
a) Junior Members - up to 18 years old inclusive.
b) Open Members - 19 years or more of age.
c) Honorary Members - those individuals who are given special recognition of contribution to modeling or the Club upon the approval of the membership. Membership benefits shall include free bulletins, and membership card to the term of recommendation by the membership.
d) Associate Members – those members who wish to be active in the club, but are not active pilots. Membership in the AMA is not required to be an Associate Member. Associate membership badges will indicate that the member is not permitted to operate any aircraft.
2) The Board of Directors’ determination on eligibility or class of membership shall be conclusive. Upon acceptance for membership, each individual shall agree to accept and abide by the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Field Safety Rules of the Club and to pay such dues as may from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors and approved by the membership.
Article IV- Club Safety Violation Procedures
It is the responsibility of every Club member to bring any observed serious violations of the field rules or conduct detrimental to Club in general to attention of the President, or the Vice President or Safety Officer who will refer the matter to the President. The matter will be held in the strictest confidence and not be discussed with anyone who is not involved. If the President deems the incident to be of sufficient importance, or is a repeated offence he may appoint an ad hoc Investigating Committee comprising three Club members, one and only one of which must be either the Vice President or the Safety Officer. The complainant must be prepared to meet with the accused person. No anonymous complaints will be considered.
The Investigating Committee will exist for 90 days or until it submits it’s report, whichever occurs first, and then will be dissolved.
The Investigating Committee will investigate the incident(s), first interviewing the complainant, then any witnesses, and finally discuss the matter with the person accused of the infraction. During the investigation the accused person may request a meeting with the complainant and the witnesses. The accused will be given an opportunity to respond to any and all accusations and will be treated in a courteous manner at all times during the investigation. The Committee will not discuss an ongoing or completed investigation with anyone except the individuals involved. The recommendations of the Committee will be communicated only to the President. The Committee must submit a report within 90 days from the date of appointment.
At the conclusion of the investigation the Investigating Committee will provide a written report of its findings to the President. This report will include a recommendation of action to be taken. The only actions that may be recommended are:
No action
Formal letter of warning
Expulsion from the Club
The report will include a record of the votes of the three Committee members.
Upon receipt of the report of the Investigating Committee the President will take the following action;
If the recommendation is "no action" the matter is closed, and no record of the proceedings will be retained.
If the recommendation is a letter of warning the President will prepare such a letter that will be mailed or personally presented to the accused. At the discretion of the President an announcement of this disposition of the case may be made at a Club meeting or in the Newsletter. The Committee report and a copy of the letter of warning will be retained by the Secretary for a period of two years.
If the recommendation is expulsion the President will make an appropriate motion at the next regularly scheduled club meeting. The report of the Committee will be presented so that the members present may make an informed decision
The content of the report of the Committee will not be recorded in the minutes. A secret ballot will be taken. There is no requirement for prior notice in the Newsletter. Expulsion requires a two thirds affirmative vote of the members present. The 10% quorum rule prevails and no proxy votes are permitted. In the event of expulsion the President will prepare a letter stating the action which will be sent by certified mail to the expelled person. The expelled member will be reimbursed on a pro rata basis for the balance of any annual dues that have been paid. The Committee report, a copy of the letter of expulsion and a copy of the canceled dues refund check, if applicable, will be retained by the Secretary for a period of two years.
An ex-member who has been expelled may apply for membership after a period of one year from the date of expulsion. Application for new membership will be reviewed by the Board of Directors, and an answer will be returned within 30 days.
ARTICLE V - Dues
The Board of Directors shall recommend dues for all classes of membership and subject the recommendation to a majority vote of the membership. Any member who fails to pay his annual dues within 30 days after they are due and payable shall be dropped from the membership rolls.
Any assessment passed by membership will be due within 90 days.
New pilots applying for membership after August 1 will pay only 50% of the regular membership dues rate for the remainder of the calendar year. This reduction in dues in only in effect for first time members in their initial year of membership. Past members will be required to pay dues in full regardless of when the membership application is completed.
ARTICLE VI – Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, as well as all committee chairmen, both standing and temporary.
Elected Officer Duties
**Officers shall be jointly and equally responsible to assure that the club responsibilities and required documents are fulfilled and completed in a timely manner. **
1. President: The President shall be the executive officer of the club and shall preside at all meetings. He shall be the spokesman for the club. He shall appoint standing and special committee chairmen as needed. Standing committees shall include: Field Safety, Field Maintenance, and Newsletter Editor. The President will cast the deciding vote in any case where a tie vote is encountered.
2. Vice-President: The Vice-President shall assist the president in all matters and assume the duties of president in the absence of the current president.
3. Secretary: The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all club meetings including meeting attendance. Meeting minutes must be sent to all members in good standing either through mailing or posting the minutes on the club’s web page. The Secretary shall also maintain the clubs current membership records and club archives.
4. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of dues or any monies owed to the organization, maintaining appropriate records of all club monetary transactions, and shall provide a treasurer’s report at each monthly meeting. The treasurer is authorized to pay any and all of the club’s obligations out of club funds. The treasurer is authorized to disburse a maximum of $250 for club related expenses when approved in writing by any two elected officers of the club. Written approval may be provided by fax, e-mail or hand written notification.
**The duly elected President and Vice-President shall not be active officers of any other model airplane club.**
If the President is unable to complete his term of office, the Vice President shall assume the Presidency. If any other officer is unable to complete his term of duty, the president shall appoint a successor to serve out the un-expired term.
Appointed Standing Committee Chairman Duties
The following standing committee chairmen will be appointed by the president and will provide a monthly committee report at all monthly general meetings. The chairmen will also attend the monthly Board of Directors’ meeting.
1. Safety Officer: The Safety Officer shall be in charge of the overall safety environment of the field. The safety officer shall also develop field rules that promote safe flying practices but do not unfairly restrict the pursuit of flying model activities. Rules cannot conflict or supersede the AMA safety code. The Safety Officer will ensure that these rules are clearly posted at the field. The safety officer is authorized to order any pilot to cease any unsafe operation, and conduct safety inspections of all equipment used at the field. The safety officer shall have the authority to appoint deputies to assist in maintaining a safe environment for both pilots and spectators.
2. Field Maintenance Director shall be in charge of maintaining field conditions, planning repair of needed projects and planning and implementation of field improvement projects.
3. Newsletter Editor: The Newsletter Editor shall be responsible for the monthly coordination of articles by club members and publication of the club newsletter. The newsletter can be published and mailed to the membership, or posted on the club’s web page.
The Board of Directors shall have the authority to supervise the affairs of the Club, subject to the approval of the membership.
Decisions of policy shall not be at variance with the stated purposes and objectives of these By-Laws or Articles of Incorporation or in conflict with the written policies of the AMA.
ARTICLE VII-Nominations ,Elections and Term of Office
The nomination of officers will take place on an open floor basis in the October monthly meeting. No nomination of any person will be accepted without the nominee’s indication of their willingness to serve. Nominations will be published in the meeting minutes and the monthly newsletter. A proxy/absentee ballot will be included in the monthly newsletter. Submitted absentee ballots must be signed by the club member and received by the Secretary before the election.
Elections will be held at the November monthly meeting. Written secret ballots will be used. A simple majority will elect. If more than 2 members are running for the same office, and no candidate receives a majority vote, a run-off election will be between the two candidates who received the largest number of votes in the first election.
The term for office is one year, commencing and ending on the first of January.
ARTICLE VIII- Meetings
1) The Board of Directors will have monthly meetings to be called by the President. The Board may approve additional meetings when it is deemed necessary.
2) The regular membership meeting shall be held once each month. Meetings are to be conducted in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order. The Secretary will record minutes of all business conducted at the meeting.
3) Amendments to these By-Laws or assessments may be made by an affirmative vote of 2/3rds majority of the membership responding (in person, proxy or by mail). Proposed amendments must be made known to the general membership via Club publications, stating the meeting night the vote is to be taken, at least twenty (20) days in advance. In this way, members can plan to be at the meeting if they are interested in the issue at hand.
ARTICLE IX - Competition Jurisdiction
All club competitions and special events should follow AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) rules as closely as possible but may be modified for internal competition, as long as modifications are not in conflict with written AMA policy.
ARTICLE X-Newsletter
There shall be an official publication of the Club to be published monthly. The role of this publication shall generally be to serve as a vehicle to accomplish the purposes of the Club. It may offer information of general interest to the membership and shall be a means by which official information is distributed to the membership. The official publication shall be prepared and distributed by/under the supervision of the Secretary and Newsletter Editor.
Article XI – Liquidation of Assets
Should the club find itself without a flying field, the Board of Directors will have one calendar year to secure and new flying site. Should the BOD be unable to secure a new flying site within the specified year, the club will terminate its existence. The club’s assets will be disbursed as follows:
All field improvements are the property of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation department in accordance with the lease.
All capitol equipment will be donated to the AMA ‘s 5th district director to be distributes as he sees fit.
All liquid assets will be disbursed equally to all current members in good standing at the time when the club begins its search for a new field. New membership will not be accepted until the club has begun operation at the newly acquired field.