ARTICLE II - Purpose
a) To engage in recreational cycling
b) To promote the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists
c) To educate the public of the value of cycling
d) To further understanding of bicycle safety
ARTICLE III - Membership and Dues
a) Membership is open to all people interested in bicycling, and who pay the annual dues.
b) A family membership shall consist of a household of no more than 2 adults, and children
under 18 years of age.
c) Business memberships are available in return for designated benefits as determined by
RATS.
d) Dues shall be reviewed annually by the Board. Any recommendation for change shall be
presented to the membership for approval.
e) Dues shall be renewed annually on January 1. After July 1st dues shall be half-priced.
f) A member may be expelled for any cause deemed against the interest of RATS by a vote of
the Board. Prior to any expulsion a three member investigating committee shall be
appointed by the President. Written notice including the charges, and findings of the
committee shall be delivered in person or by registered mail to the member concerned.
ARTICLE IV - Meetings
a) The annual business meeting shall be held on the first Monday of December, during which
new officers shall be elected to assume their duties the following January 1st.
b) A meeting shall be held during March to make plans for the upcoming biking
season.
c) There shall be a mandatory joint meeting of the old and new executive board prior
to February 1st.
d) Board meetings shall be held as deemed necessary by the President or a simple majority
of the Board, and are open to all members. Only Board members may vote.
e) Meeting procedures shall follow Robert's Rules of Order; however, departures from such
Rules shall not invalidate any actions.
ARTICLE V - Voting
a) At Board meetings, four members shall constitute a quorum.
b) Motions may be passed by a simple majority of members present at a general meeting.
c) Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed by a two-thirds vote of the members in
attendance at a general meeting.
d) In a family membership, only adults are allowed to vote.
ARTICLE VI - Leadership
a) The officers of the club shall be the President, Vice President, and
Secretary/Treasurer. The Officers, Membership Person, Road Representative, Off-road
Representative, Fort Leonard Wood Representative and Past-President shall constitute the
Executive Board.They shall serve for a term of one year, beginning on January 1st.
b) An officer may be removed for good cause upon a vote of two-thirds of the membership
c) Whenever a vacancy occurs in any elected office other than that of President, the
President shall appoint a member of the club to fill the office for the remainder of the
term.
ARTICLE VII - Duties of Officers
a) President: presides over club meetings; presides as Chair at the Board of Director
meetings; appoints, as necessary, special committees and Chairs; sees that all leadership
positions are filled; builds and follows an agenda at each general, special or Board
meeting; serves as the club contact person for members, potential members, and other
organizations; insures the reservation of a meeting place for general meetings; oversees
the collection of mail; appoints someone to maintain the official membership list; and
causes an annual budget to be created.
b) Vice President: acts as an assistant to the President and presides in the absence of
the President; presides in the permanent absence of the President until the next election;
and keeps the President informed. This person shall also be the ride organizer.
c) Secretary/Treasurer: collects all monies and dues to deposit in the club bank account;
maintains financial records; supplies a financial report at each general meeting;
disburses funds as approved by the Board of Directors; attains the signature of at least
one other Board member on the bank signature cards in addition to the treasurer’s for
every check written; provides a written annual financial report of receipts, disbursements
and balances on hand at the annual business meeting; and receives approval from the
President prior to writing checks for unbudgeted items over $50; takes minutes of
the general and Board of Directors’ meetings; provides a copy of the minutes to the
membership; maintains a copy of the Bylaws; maintains copies of current correspondence.
ARTICLE VIII - Budget
The Board shall draft and approve an annual budget. This shall be presented to the
membership for approval.
ARTICLE IX - Indemnification
All Officers, or other appointed/elected persons of the Club, their heirs, executors and
administrators shall be indemnified by the Club against all expenses or liability
reasonably incurred by or imposed on them in connection with any action suit, proceeding
or claim to which they may be made a party or become involved by reason of an act of
omissions or commission of their duties. Such indemnification shall not apply if a person
is determined to have been guilty of wilful misfeasance in the performance of this duty.
The Board shall ensure that liability insurance is maintained for the club.
ARTICLE X - Bylaw Amendments
a) An Executive Board member may initiate a proposal to amend the bylaws. If a majority
concur, the proposal will be submitted to the membership for approval.
(b) Any member may initiate a proposal to amend the bylaws and submit it to the Board for
approval. If it is approved by the Board, it will be submitted to the membership for
approval by vote.
(c) If a proposal is submitted to the Board and is not approved, the member who initiated
it may circulate a petition among the members asking that the proposal be submitted to the
membership for vote. If signatures of 25% of the members eligible to vote are obtained,
the proposal to amend must be submitted to the membership for their vote.
d) The membership shall be notified ahead of time before a vote on a bylaw amendment.
e) At the meeting designated for voting on the proposed amendment, time will be allowed
for discussion of the proposal. A two-thirds majority of those present is required for
approval.
ARTICLE XI - Dissolution
In case of dissolution, a two-thirds vote of the members present at a general meeting is
required to decide to dissolve. The Board, after paying all debts, shall distribute the
assets of the corporation to organizations which have the purpose of promoting bicycling.
No club funds may be paid to club members or private persons except as reasonable
compensation for services rendered.
ARTICLE XII - Regulations
All cyclists must wear ANSI or Snell approved helmets on club rides.
Rolla
Area