Reef Central Online Community - SCMAS Bylaws... Please Read

The board has finally completed the SCMAS Bylaws that will follow at the bottom of the post. There were five contributors to these bylaws all with different opinions and ideas. We were able to make compromises and in the end come up with what I believe to be a very well thought out document.

There will be a nominations thread started immediately after this thread, for a new board of directors.

Southern Colorado Marine Aquarist (SCMAS) Bylaws

Article I. Name
I.1. The name of this Society shall be "Southern Colorado Marine Aquarist Society", also known as SCMAS.

Article II. Purpose
II.2. A society to serve marine aquarists in the Southern Colorado area. The goal is to promote fellowship and build a support network for enthusiasts of all skill levels.

II.2.a The Southern Colorado Marine Aquarist Society shall not be affiliated with any other organization or entity. This can only be changed by a 3/4 (three quarter) vote by the members and a 4-1 vote by the Board of directors.

Article III. Term
III.1. The term of this Society is to be perpetual.
III.2. The fiscal year of the Southern Colorado Marine Aquarist Society shall be December 1st, through November 31st. The Treasurer shall present a complete financial report to the Board of Directors (Board) no later than 90 days following the close of the fiscal year.

Article IV. Membership
IV.1. Membership in the Southern Colorado Marine Aquarist Society shall be open to any person who attends 2 meetings within a 12 month calendar year.

IV.2. There shall be no membership-dues to be a member of this club. This may be changed by a vote of the Board.
IV.3. The Southern Colorado Marine Aquarist Society shall consist of two (2) classifications of membership.

IV.3.a. Public Member;
- Any person/hobbiest who has met the membership requirements.
IV.3.b. Commercial Member;
- Any person/hobbiest who owns a local fish/pet store and sponsors the society with a SCMAS flyer displayed in the store and discounts to public members of SCMAS that shall be determined by the Board. These sponsors shall be given preference by the SCMAS and have business logos imprinted on membership cards.
IV.4. Rights of Public Members;
- To attend all general meetings and presentations as well as hold voting rights.
IV.5. Rights of Commercial Members;
- To participate in ALL SCMAS presentations but not general meetings. Have NO voting rights.
- Attend general meetings twice a year by invite where any commercial business may be presented.
IV.6. All members shall comply with these bylaws, and shall act with responsibility and integrity in all matters relating to SCMAS.
IV.7. Members shall not exploit SCMAS meetings, presentations or events in order to promote their own commercial interests unless they are invited to do so as a commercial member. Commercial interest shall be any activities undertaken with the primary purpose of making money. Any infractions will be presented to the Board of Directors and it will be reviewed and voted on by the board BEFORE any actions are taken.
IV.8. The Southern Colorado Marine Aquarist Society reserves the right to revoke the membership of any individual due to conduct considered against these bylaws or detrimental to this Club. The Board of Directors shall carry out this action by a unanimous vote.

Article V. Board of Directors
V.1. The Board of Directors shall consist of five elected officials: President, Vice President, PR Liaison, Communications Liaison, and Treasurer.
V.2. Each of the Board members will have one vote. A simple majority (3-2) will decide all votes unless indicated otherwise in the Bylaws.
V.2.a There will be four mandatory board meetings per year. These will be called quarterly meetings. The place and time of these meetings will be decided upon by the board members.
V.3. To stand for election, a person must be a Member in good standing, over the age of 18 and not a proprietor of a pet store or local fish store.
V.4. Nominations for officers shall take place the first two weeks of November. Elections shall take place during the week of the November club meeting via email, private message or in person at the meeting. The newly elected officers shall assume office on December 1st of each year.
V.5. The terms of office for Board members shall be one year. A member can serve four one-year terms in the same office.
V.6. Vacancies during the term may be filled for the remaining portion of a term by the approved action, and vote of the remaining Board of Directors. Any position may be recalled and replaced by a unanimous vote of the Board when they display an inability or unwillingness to perform their duties. Should any Board member be absent from two consecutive board meetings, they shall be removed without notice.
V.7. The Board shall have full power to conduct, manage, and direct the business and affairs of the Society. All powers of the Society are hereby granted to and vested in the Board.
V.8. There is no compensation for acting as director, officer, or being on a committee. This does not prohibit the Board from compensating a speaker's fee and travel expenses if so authorized by the Board. The Board is not prohibited from compensating a board member for out of pocket expenses, which are incurred on behalf of the Society with prior authorization.
V.9. The Board must approve all expenditures, all checks or other documents transferring SCMAS funds in any form or amount. These documents shall be signed by at least two of the Officers (President, Vice President, Treasurer) as established in the duties of the Voting Board Members.
V.10. Duties of Voting Board Members
V.11.a. President –The President shall, when present, preside at all monthly meetings and Board meetings. The President shall have general supervision of the affairs of the SCMAS and shall make reports to the Board of Directors at meetings and other times as necessary to keep Board members informed of society activities.
V.11.b. Vice President – The Vice President shall perform the duties and have the powers of the President when the Chair is absent or unable to perform their duties. The Board of Directors may designate additional duties for the Vice President.
V.11.c. PR Liaison – The PR Liaison shall work with the communication liaison to determine and communicate scheduling for bi-annual attendance of sponsors. The PR Liaison will work with other clubs to formally invite them to frag swaps, guest speaking engagements, etc., also communicates with guest speakers and the board to facilitate future presentations. The PR Liaison will be the overall general ambassador for SCMAS.
V.11.d. Communication Liaison – The Communication Liaison shall be responsible for maintaining contact with Reef Central Moderators and policing our Reef Central Forum. This includes but is not limited to making sure all RC rules and regulations are followed and adhered to. The Communication Liaison shall be responsible for web based development, email and overall communications.
V.11.e. Treasurer – The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the SCMAS. The Treasurer will receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the SCMAS from any source whatsoever. The Treasurer will deposit all such monies in the name of the Southern Colorado Marine Aquarist Society in such banks, or other depositories as shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws. The Treasurer is also responsible for reviewing the financial operations of the Society and advising the Board on financial matters. They will also perform such other duties as assigned by the President or the Board.

Article VI. BYLAWS
VI.1. These bylaws shall be amended, repealed, or new bylaws adopted, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote by the majority of the Members of the SCMAS and a three to two (3-2) vote by the Board of Directors at any general or special meeting. Such proposed amendment, repeal or new bylaw, or a summary thereof, shall be set forth in any notice of such meeting, whether general or special, or posted online for a minimum of 14 days before the voting is scheduled to take place.