Download a copy of the constitution here

­ST. JOHN VALLEY RADIO ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

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 ST. JOHN VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION (call sign N1SJV) and enact this constitution as our governing law.

It shall be our purpose to further the exchange of information and cooperation between members and surrounding clubs, to promote radio knowledge, fraternalism, and individual operating efficiency, and to conduct club programs and activities as to advance the general interest and welfare of amateur radio in the community.

ARTICLE 1 – Membership

Section 1:

All persons interested in amateur radio communication shall be eligible for membership. Membership shall be by application (see club website) and reviewed and accepted by one of the current officers. Applicants must express a willingness to abide by the constitution and bylaws and other rules promulgated by the club.

Section 2:

Types of membership are as follows:

1. Full Membership – Includes all access to club gear, access to the club newsletter, right to hold office and vote for elected officials (open to FCC licensed amateurs only).
2. Associate Membership – Associates hold the same privileges as full members excluding the right to hold office or vote for elected officials (open to all unlicensed persons).
3. New Member – Same privileges as full or associate member (subject to license status) but at a first-year introductory price. Available to licensed or unlicensed amateurs and only available if you have not been a club member for at least three years.
4. Family Member – Open to any unlicensed person whose immediate family member is a club member. Family members do not have access to the club gear without full member present, ability to vote, or hold office.

 Prices are subject to inflation, see the club website or contact a club officer to get the exact price.

Section 3:

If for any reason a member should have to be against their will removed from membership, a special meeting shall be held at which point the member shall plead their case. If the membership still seeks dismissal, it shall be by three-fourths vote of active full members in attendance. This special meeting shall be announced on the club website and an email sent to all active members two weeks before date of special meeting. If a regular club meeting occurs within that two-week period, the membership cannot vote on the issue. The membership must have at least a two-week advance notice.

ARTICLE 2 – Officers

Section 1:

The officers of this Club shall be:  President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Technical Manager, and Public Information Officer.

Section 2:

The officers of this Club shall be elected for a term of one year by ballot of the members present, provided there be a quorum, at the Annual Meeting in March. Absentee ballots are included as members present for voting purposes. See club website for printable absentee ballot

Section 3:

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

Section 4:

Officers may be removed by a three-fourths vote of the membership. The same procedure shall be followed as removing any other member – see article 1 above.

ARTICLE 3 – DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1:

The president shall preside at all meetings of this club, and conduct meetings the same according to the rules adopted. He shall enforce due observance of this constitution and bylaws; 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.

Section 2:

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

Section 3:

The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of meetings, keep a roll of members, carry on all correspondence, read communications at each meeting, and may mail written meeting notices to each member. They shall keep the constitution and bylaws of the club and have the same with them at every meeting. They shall cause all amendments, changes and additions to be noted thereon and shall permit the same to be consulted by members upon request. They shall, at the expiration of his term, turn over all items belonging to the club to his successor.

Section 4:

The Treasurer shall receive and receipt for all monies paid to the club; they shall pay no bills without proper authorization (by the club or its officers constituting a business committee). At the annual meeting, they shall submit an itemized statement of disbursements and receipts. They shall, at the expiration of his term, turn over everything in his possession belonging to the club to his successor.

Section 5:

The Technical Manager will provide technical advice to members concerning equipment design and operation to assist in frequency observance, clean signals uniform practice, and absence of spurious radiations from club member stations. They shall, with the aid of other club members, direct the maintenance and repair of club equipment and coordinate club training.

Section 6:

The Public Information Officer shall promote club activities using the various local and state media to advance the general interest and welfare of amateur radio.

ARTICLE 4 – Meetings  

Section 1:

This constitution shall provide for regular and special meetings. At meetings, a minimum of one-quarter of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If membership falls below 10 persons, the sitting officers and any paid members in attendance constitutes a quorum.

Section 2:

Regular meetings shall be held each calendar month at such place as the President shall order.

The annual meeting for election of club officers, shall be held at the March meeting. Special meetings may be called by the president upon the written request of any five club members. Notices shall be sent to members concerning all meetings and the business to be transacted. Such notices shall be so sent that in the ordinary postal delivery they arrive not less than 24 hours before the meeting time, or by email provided it does arrive not less than 24 hours before the meeting time.

Section 3:

Roberts rules shall govern proceedings.

ARTICLE 5 – Dues

Section 1:

The club, by majority vote of those present at regular meetings, may levy upon the general membership such dues or assessments as shall be deemed necessary for the business of the organization within its objects as set forth in the preamble. Nonpayment of such dues or assessments shall be cause for expulsion from the club within the discretion of the membership. (See article 1, section 3)

Section 2:

Dues shall be collected once a year at the March meeting. These dues will be deposited into the club’s bank account and be used as follows:

1. Firstly, to maintain the club website.
2. Any additional funds will be used to maintain the club repeaters to keep them in good operating condition. Primary responsibility will be 146.640, secondary responsibility will be 146.715.
3. If any funds remain, they will be used for club functions and activities. Any other club related spending will also come from this account. Using club funds for any purpose other than the two stated above (article 5, section 2a and 2b) will require a club vote with a two thirds majority.
4. Any spending to maintain the website and repeaters will be at the discretion of the officers unless any one issue requires spending of $400 or more.
5. The assessment of dues is subject to inflation. Check the club website or contact a club officer to get exact pricing for dues.

ARTICLE 6 – CLUB PROPERTY
Section 1:

All property owned by the club shall be recorded with the secretary and reported annually at the March meeting.  From time to time, it may be necessary for the club to mortgage property, generally from members.  Should a member terminate his membership and still have an outstanding mortgage with the club, he will notify the club in writing and the club, at its very next regular meeting, will decide whether to buy the mortgage up or accept the departing members offer for club equity.  Should the club dissolve itself, all property will be sold to the highest bidder and proceeds deposited into the treasury which will be split among active members (only the members paying full dues shall receive a share.)

Club property will be handled as follows:

1. A complete list of all club property shall be kept up-to-date at all times by the club secretary.
2. This list shall be made readily available upon the request of any SJVARA Member.
3. As each item is entered on the property list, the date and cost shall also be entered.
4. If any item is sold, the date and selling price shall also be entered.
5. Club property may be loaned at the discretion of the secretary, with the exception of high-cost items which are subject to the approval of the club.
6. A list shall be kept by the secretary stating the loanee’s name, date of loan and date of return.
7. The loanee shall be responsible for all damages incurred while the item is in his possession. It shall also be his responsibility to report to the secretary any evident damage when he first receives the item.

ARTICLE 7 – ADHOC Committees

From time to time, a standing committee may be formed for the purpose of investigating and deliberating various ideas and events for the club.  It may serve to ensure that all necessary functions, yearly events, and regular meeting programs are properly planned for and carried out by making recommendations to the club in advance of each occasion.  This committee shall also have the power to transact routine business of the club in the interim between regular meetings, in emergencies, and when time does not allow otherwise.

This committee shall be chaired by the president and composed of the club officers in addition to three other members voted in at a regular meeting by a plurality vote of those present.  Their terms shall be for one year or until the annual meeting at which time new members may be elected.  This committee shall meet as necessary. Meetings may be called, upon written request of three of its members.

ARTICLE 8 – Amendments

This constitution or the bylaws may be amended by two-thirds vote of the total membership. Absentee ballots may be filed by mail to the Secretary. Proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing at a regular meeting and shall be voted on at the next regular meeting, provided all members have been notified by mail of the intent to amend the constitution and/or bylaws at said meeting.