Constitution

[Approved 9 October 2019]

Constitution

of THE KNOX COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, INC.

 

Preamble

We, the undersigned, wishing to secure for ourselves the pleasures and benefits of the association of persons commonly interested in Amateur Radio, constitute ourselves the KNOX COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, INC. and enact this constitution as our governing law. It shall be our purpose to further the exchange of information and cooperation between members, to promote radio knowledge, fraternalism and individual operating efficiency, and to so conduct club programs and activities as to advance the general interest and welfare of amateur radio in the community.

Article I  Membership

All Person interested in Amateur Radio communication shall be eligible for membership. Club applicant(s) application may be accepted as a member after:  (1) he/she presents written application,  (2) there is a favorable vote on his application by majority of the members present at the next regular meeting,  (3) he/she pays his/her dues.  The secretary will present the applicant(s) a simple application form. Membership may not be denied because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status or any other reason that would be biased or prejudicial.

Article II Officers

Sec. 1 – Office 

The officers of the club shall be: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Committeeman at Large.

Sec. 2 – Term of office 

The officers of this club shall be elected for a term of one year by ballot of the members present at the meeting in June or the first meeting at which a quorum is present.

Sec. 3 – Vacancies

Vacancies occurring between elections must be filled by special elections at the first regular meeting following the withdrawal or resignation.

Sec. 4 – Eligibility

In order to hold an office, an individual must be a member in good standing for at least one year and hold a valid Amateur Radio license.

Sec. 5 – Resignation 

Any officer may resign his/her position in writing at which time all records and assets of the club will be turned over to the President or Vice President.

Sec. 6 – Removal of Officers

Officers may be removed from office for cause, upon written petition of five (5) or more members presented to the President or Vice President. After investigation the petition will be presented to the membership at the next regular meeting of the club and voted on by the membership.  Removal of an officer requires a three-fourths vote of the full membership.

Article III  Duties of Officers

Sec. 1 – President

The President shall preside at all meetings of this club, and conduct the same according to the rules adopted. He shall enforce due observance of this Constitution; decide all questions of order; sign all official documents that are adopted by the club, and perform all other customary duties pertaining to the office of president.

Sec. 2 – Vice-President

The Vice-President shall assume all the duties of the President in the absence of the latter.

Sec. 3 – Secretary

 shall keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings, keep a roll of members, submit applications for membership, and carry on all correspondence, read communications at each meeting , and mail written meeting notice to each member. He/she shall at the expiration of his/her term turn over all items belonging to the club to his/her successor.  He/she shall keep the Constitution up-to-date and have a copy available at club meetings and for consultation by club members at all times.

Sec. 4 – Treasurer

 shall receive and receipt for all monies paid to the club; he/she shall keep an accurate account for all monies received and expended. He/she shall pay no bills without proper authorization (by the club or its officers constituting a business committee). At the end of each month, he/she shall submit an itemized statement of disbursements and receipts. He/she shall, at the expiration of his term, turn over to his/her successor all club accounts and records.

Sec. 5 – Committeeman at Large

 The Committeeman at Large will assist the President in planning Club activities, providing programs for club meetings, aiding in the preparation of club bulletins, assisting in the promotion of contests and emergency drills, and act as club Historian. He/she will maintain close liaison with the Amateur Radio Emergency Coordinator (EC).

Sec. 6 – Executive Committee 

The Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will consist of the President, the Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.  The Emergency Coordinator will also serve on the Executive Committee in matters relating to Emergency and Net Operations.  Meetings of the Executive Committee may be called by the President to consider and transact urgent business of the club between regular meetings or to prepare and plan activities and agenda to present to the cub at regular meetings.  

Article IV   Meetings

Sec. 1 – Regular meetings

Regular meetings shall be held as agreed upon by the Executive Committee.

Sec. 2 – Special meetings

Special meetings may be called by the President upon written request by any four (4) club members. Club members must be informed by email or telephone 24 hours before the special meeting. The business transacted shall be limited to the special problem for which the meeting was called.

Sec. 3 – Quorum

At meetings, one-third of the members must be present to form a quorum. Four (4) or more members will constitute a quorum should the membership fall below 20 members.

Sec. 4 – Rules

Robert’s Rules shall govern proceedings.   

Article V  Dues

Sec. 1 – Dues

 The club, by majority vote of those present at any regular meeting , may levy upon the general membership such dues or assessments as shall be deemed necessary for the business of the organization within its objectives as set forth in the preamble. Non-payment of such dues or assessments shall be cause for expulsion from the club at the discretion of the membership.

Sec. 2 – Rate

The club will require Student members to pay only 50% of the Full membership dues. Associate member to pay 50% of the Full membership dues. A Family membership rate of 150% of the Full membership dues.  

Article VI  Membership Assistance

The club, through designated interference, Public Relations, and Operating Committees will provide technical advice to members concerning equipment design and operation to assist in frequency observance, clean signals, uniform practice, and absence of spurious radiation from club member-stations. The club shall also maintain a program to foster and guide public relations.

Article VII Amendments 

This Constitution may be amended by a two thirds vote of the total membership. Proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing at a regular meeting and shall be voted on at the following regular meeting or when two-thirds of the membership has responded in writing to the proposed amendment.

Article VIII  Club Call sign

The club may elect to apply for a club call sign as provided by FCC rules Part 97. The President shall assign trusteeship of the club call sign. The trustee shall: Be a member of the club in good standing, Meet FCC requirements. Not had his/her Radio Amateur license revoked or sanctioned at any time.   Article IX  Dissolution of the Club

Section 1. Termination

Termination of Operations In the event that the Board of Director votes that the Club should be dissolved the motion for dissolution must receive more than two-thirds vote of the full membership to pass. 

Section 2. Disposition of Assets 

Disposition of Assets the Board of Directors shall handle the disbursement of all assets of the club. No member or group of members shall receive benefit from the assets. All equipment will be sold and net proceeds donated to a non-profit organization. All remaining cash will be donated to a non-profit organization.

Article X Amendments

This constitution or Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the total membership. Proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing at a regular meeting and shall be voted on at the next following regular meeting, provided all members have been noticed by email of the intent to amend the constitution and/or By-Laws at said meeting.     ============================================================================ ByLaws  [Approved 9 October 2019]

1. Secretary

It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the constitution and By-Laws of the club and have the same with him/her at every meeting. He/she shall note all amendments, changes and additions on the Constitution and shall permit it to be consulted by members upon request.

2. Membership

Full membership is open to licensed Radio Amateurs. Full membership includes all club privileges as well as rights to hold a club office and to vote for club officers. Associate membership is open to those actively engaged in a class leading to an Amateur Radio license and all other interested persons. Associate membership includes all club privileges except for the right to hold office and vote for club officers. Student membership is open to any licensed Radio Amateur currently in good standing with any recognized school, through the age of 18. Student membership includes all club privileges except for the right to hold office and vote for club officers. Family membership is open to any two or more immediate family members living in the same household.  Family membership includes all club privileges as well as a single club office and a single vote for club officers. Good Standing shall mean a member who complies with their type of membership requirements as well as current on organization dues and payments. Applications for membership shall be submitted at regular meetings.

3. Meetings

Regular meetings shall be held on the second Wednesday of each calendar month.  Special meetings may be called by the President upon the written request of any four (4) club members. Notices shall be sent to members concerning special meetings and the business to be transacted. Only such business as designated shall be transacted. Such notices shall be sent via email and posted so that they arrive not less than 24 hours before the meeting.

4. Dues Fees and Assessments

Annual dues of $20.00 per Full membership is hereby assessed in accordance with the provisions of Article V of the constitution for the purpose of providing funds for expenses. Membership dues are payable in May of each year. Any member whose dues are not paid by July 1st will be considered inactive and removed from the active membership roster.  Inactive members have no club or voting privileges. Termination of membership either by resignation or expulsion will not constitute a refund of dues paid. 

5. Elections

Officer elections will be held annually as determined by the Executive Committee, typically at the regular June meeting, or Special meeting on Field Day if no quorum at June meeting. Officers will assume their elected office July 1 of that year. Nominations Nominations will be accepted starting at the regular meeting in April and close at the beginning of the June Meeting. At which time the President will entertain a motion for accepting the ballot. The final ballot will be made available to all club members at the meeting. Voting Voting will be done immediately after motion to accept ballot. Voting shall be done using paper ballots. Immediately after voting, the ballots will be counted openly in front of the membership.

6. Interference committee

This committee shall consist of four (4) members (appointed by the club President). The committee shall direct investigation, invite proper inquiries, establish technical facts and testimony and report its results to the club.