Marshview Riders Inc.

By-Laws

Revised on 03-01-05

Article 1

Name: The name of this organization shall be the Marshview Riders Inc. (MRI)

Article 2

Vision: A countywide system, which addresses the issues and opportunities facing people concerned with creating a positive future for off-highway ATV recreation.

Mission: Create an ongoing communications forum through which ATV enthusiasts and their organizations and supporters can share information and experience, participate in educational opportunities, and become partners in creating a positive image of the sport.

Purpose:

1. Promote a positive public image of the sport with land managers, government officials and the general public

2. Create a countywide communications network of ATV enthusiasts and their supporters

3. Provide ongoing educational opportunities and reference materials in volunteer development, organization/club management, community action, meeting management, and others

4. Ensure that all ATV enthusiasts are aware of the impact of their actions on the environment

Values: We value…

ATV recreation as a social experience, which strengthens family relationships as kids and adults alike share their enthusiasm for the sport.

The opportunity for outdoor experiences and respecting the many unique environments.

ATV recreation as a social opportunity for all types of people to participate in a healthy and enjoyable activity.

The variety of opportunities and challenges ATV recreation provides which allow escape from daily pressures.

Article 3

Membership: The membership shall consist of riders of off-highway vehicles/ATVs, persons actively concerned with the future of ATVs and/or ATV enthusiasts. Membership in this organization shall be determined on a nondiscriminatory basis, without regard for age, sex, race, color, religion, or national origin. All members shall have an equal stake in the association and its activities. Membership shall be ongoing, subject to termination for good cause, as determined by the Executive Committee and the established policies of the association.

Article 4

Structure: The direction, action, and business of this organization shall be primarily affected through groups of volunteer committees and action teams. The standing teams and committees shall be as follows:

Membership Committee

Education and Safety Committee

Park Committee

Audit Committee

Communications Committee

Fundraising Committee

Each of the above committees will be governed by the “Committee By-Laws” set forth by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

Ad-Hoc Committees

Shall be designated and defined as formed by the Executive Committee under the direction of the President.

Executive Committee of Officers

The Executive Committee shall have the ultimate authority for the direction and activities of this organization. The Executive Committee shall be compromised of the following:

1. The President

2. The Vice-President

3. The Secretary

4. The Treasurer

5. One member designated as Advisor. The Advisor shall be elected each year at the annual meeting.

 Members shall be MRI members in good standing and at least 18 years of age.

Article 5

Duties:

The President shall have the primary responsibility for the legal and financial affairs of this organization. The President shall preside at meetings of the association and the Executive Committee. The President shall appoint ad-hoc committee as deemed necessary. The duties shall include assisting officers and advisors as well as members to promote interest on the part of each member in association activities. The President shall vote only in the event that the Executive Committee shall need a tiebreaker.

The Vice-President shall perform all the duties of the President in the absence of the President. It is the responsibility of the Vice-President to keep current on the affairs of the association, to fill in for the President, and assist with the duties of President when asked to.

The Secretary shall keep a record of the meetings of the association in a minute's book provided for that purpose. The secretary shall be responsible for the legal records of this association and perform other duties that generally fall to that office.

The Treasurer shall have primary responsibility for the financial records of the association. The Treasurer shall oversee and record collection of dues and all other money due to the association. The duties also include, in a timely fashion, to pay lawful expenses authorized by the Executive Committee. This shall include presenting the board and general members with a financial report at each meeting. At the discretion of the Executive Committee, the Treasurer's books shall be subject to an annual audit by a committee appointed by the President consisting of any club members other than the Treasurer.

The duties of the Advisor shall be as determined and supervised by the Executive Committee of Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer) on an ongoing basis.

To maintain officer status, board members must attend 2/3 of club meetings (8 of the 12 monthly meetings).

Article 6

All Executive Committee members shall be elected at an annual election to be held each year. All Officers shall hold office for a term of two years or until their successors are elected. The President, Treasurer (so designated “odd”), shall be elected in odd numbered years. The Vice-President, Secretary (so designated “even”), shall be elected in even numbered years. There will also be four (4) positions for a general Board of Directors.  These positions will have a one-year term.  In the event of an unexpired or vacant position, the Executive Committee should act to nominate and vote, to fill the position. Upon a tie, the President will break the tie following Article 5 duties of the President.

Nominations will ONLY be accepted from the October club meeting thru the November meeting.  Nominees must either make it to the November meeting to accept their nomination or mail/email the President on “even” years or the Vice President on “odd” years.  Any mailings must be received no later than the November meeting time.  Late filings will not be accepted and all nominations will be posted on the club website and December newsletter.

Voting will be held at the December meeting.  All members in good standing (including people listed under a “family” membership) that are at least 12 years or older are eligible to vote.

Each member who would like to vote MUST be present at the December meeting to vote.  Each member is allowed only one (1) vote per position.

Article 7

All actions of this association and any of its Teams or Committees shall be decided by consensus of such group except as otherwise provided in Article 6. Should consensus not be achieved on any such action or consensus is disputed, a majority vote of those present may be taken on such actions.

Article 8

From time to time matters may arise that call for immediate action. In such cases the President shall poll the Executive Committee and take action on the matter as directed by a majority of the members on the Executive Committee.

Article 9

The fiscal year of this organization shall be the calendar year, from January 1st to December 31st.

Article 10

These by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of those members present at a regular monthly meeting. The proposed changes have to be posted in advance either through a direct mailing to all members or notice given via the previous monthly meeting to allow sufficient time for the general membership to review such proposed changes.

Article 11

This organization may be disbanded and dissolved by a two-thirds vote of the general membership upon determination that the organization is no longer viable or effective in achieving its vision, mission, or purpose. Upon dissolution and after satisfying all legal and financial obligations and liabilities, the Executive Committee shall donate all remaining assets of this organization to an organization of similar mission and purpose.