About WCLA
Constitution & Bylaws
West Caroga Lake Association Constitution & Bylaws
Article I
The Association shall be called the WEST CAROGA LAKE ASSOCIATION, INC., hereinafter referred to as "the Association."
Article II
Objectives and Purposes:
The purpose of the Association is to create a climate of camaraderie and friendship within the community of Caroga Lake.
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To unite in action for the protection of the property of the members of the Association through designated federal, state, and local agencies.
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To preserve and enhance the ecology and beauty of West Caroga Lake and the surrounding area. To maintain appropriate standards of health and pollution control in cooperation with designated federal, state, and local agencies and promote and educate lake users about safety and good lake stewardship practices.
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To encourage and sponsor activities deemed by the members of the Association to be worthy of support and which will serve the best interest of West Caroga Lake, the Town of Caroga, and the members of the Association.
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The Association has not been formed for profit or financial gain. Accordingly, no part of the assets, income or profit of the Association is distributable to or inures to the benefit of its members, directors, or officers.
Article III
Membership:
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Qualifications: Any individual or individual representing a business or Association owning or having an interest in recreation, tourism, conservation, or property in the Caroga Lake area is eligible for membership in the Association on the acceptance of dues.
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Voting Qualifications: Any member in good standing has the right to vote and hold office. One vote shall be given to each membership (age 18 or older) in good standing.
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Any member whose dues are not fully paid by July 1 shall be considered a non-voting member and shall have no voice in the Association. Non-voting members will be automatically reinstated to full voting privileges when their dues are paid.
Article IV
Officers and Directors:
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The Board of Directors shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, serving as Officers, and at least eight, but not more than ten Directors. They shall be elected from among the members in good standing by vote at the annual meeting.
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The President and Secretary shall be elected every two years (even years). The Vice-President and Treasurer shall be elected every two years (odd years).
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Each year one-half of the Directors shall be elected for terms of two years.
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All elections of Officers and Directors shall be decided by a simple majority or, if necessary, plurality.
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Vacancies on the Board may be filled by appointment by the Board for any unexpired term.
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The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee to serve from the end of the Annual Meeting until the next Annual Meeting. It will present a full slate of officers and directors for election by the membership. Insofar as possible, such nominations should represent the various geographical areas of West Caroga Lake. In addition to such nominations, nominations must be accepted from the floor.
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Directors may be removed by a 2/3 vote of the Board when the conduct of the Director is considered detrimental to the best interests of the Association.
Duties of the Officers:
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The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and of the Board and shall serve as the representative of the Association with respect to its decisions as delegated by the Board and the general membership. In addition, the President shall designate such standing or special committees as required by the Board. The President may vote on issues only to break a tie.
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The Vice-President shall assist the President and perform the President's duties in the absence of the President. The Vice-President may also be designated additional duties and powers by the Board or the President.
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The Secretary shall keep all records of the Association, except such documents as may be specifically assigned to others. The Secretary shall also keep the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Association and send notices of such meetings. In addition, the Secretary shall conduct all correspondence of the Association, except as may otherwise be provided.
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The Treasurer shall be responsible for all Association funds and supervise a complete and accurate record of all receipts and disbursements, reporting such transactions at each meeting of the Board and of the Association. In addition, prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the Treasurer shall notify each member in writing of the dues payable for the coming year and be diligent in reminding those who may be delinquent in the payment of dues.
Article V
Meetings:
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The Annual Meeting shall be held during the summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) at a time and place as designated by the President. Announcement of the Annual Meeting shall be published in the Association newsletter, on the Association website, and at least ten days before the Annual meeting via US mail or email. Either notice by mail or email shall constitute official notice. In addition, members may participate via teleconferencing or videoconferencing when available.
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Special meetings of the membership may be called by the President or 25% of the board members, provided that adequate notice is given to the membership. The Secretary must provide such notice at least five days before such meeting and must include a description of the agenda. At such meetings, no action may be taken on issues not announced in the docket.
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Ten percent (10%) of the membership, as tallied by the Secretary, shall constitute a quorum for any meeting of the Association.
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The Board will meet at least twice between May and September and at such times as may be required by the business of the Association. In addition, board Members may participate via teleconferencing or videoconferencing when available. A quorum shall consist of six persons, of whom at least two must be Officers.
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The Board shall designate an Executive Committee to consist of the Officers, including the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. In addition, the President can assign other members of the Executive Committee with Board approval. The Executive Committee duties shall advise and assist the Association in strategic planning and matters concerning the management of its affairs. Also, if necessary, discuss and recommend the removal of Directors.
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The parliamentary procedure of the Association shall be in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, except as may otherwise be provided in these articles.
Article VI
Fiscal Matters:
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The Board shall set annual dues for the next year at their last summer meeting. The fiscal year shall be from January 1 to December 31. Dues shall be payable for the forthcoming year after March 1.
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The Treasurer will be responsible for all accounting of the funds belonging to the Association and shall maintain a record of dues-paying members.
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All expenditures above $200 require explicit Board approval. Inclusion in the board-approved budget will constitute Board Approval.
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The President shall be able to authorize any expenditure (budgeted or unbudgeted) under $200) to maintain Association operations. Expenditures shall not be divided in such a way as to circumvent Board Approval.
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Funds will be administered according to generally accepted accounting principles, and the books shall be reviewed periodically.
Article VII
Liability:
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The Association assumes no responsibility or liability for the well-being of any member or representative of a member attending or participating in meetings or other functions of the Association.
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No Officer or Director, former Officer or Director, nor any authorized agent of the Association shall be liable in any manner to the Association or any person or group for any loss or damage sustained as a result of action taken or omitted to be taken by said Officer, Director or agent in good faith if they exercised or used the same degree of care and skill as a prudent person would have exercised under the circumstances in the conduct of their affairs.
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It is understood and agreed that all Members, their guests, and volunteers participating in the functions and activities of the Association do so at their own risk. However, it is the responsibility of the Members to advise their guests of that fact.
Article VIII
Bylaws:
These bylaws and articles may be amended at any regular or special meetings of the Association by a majority of the members present and voting. Such amendments or revisions will take effect immediately. It is required that any amendments or revisions to these bylaws and articles be presented to the membership prior to the meeting at which they are to be submitted to vote. All duly voted upon bylaws and revisions are binding to the entire membership.