ARTICLE
I–NAME
The name of this organization shall be GREATER PITTSBURGH AQUARIUM
SOCIETY, INC.
ARTICLE II–PURPOSE
The purpose of this Society shall be to increase enjoyment in the
hobby of raising, breeding, or exhibiting tropical fish, aquatic
plants and other forms of aquatic life by providing
1) educational programs, including lectures, films, exhibits, demonstrations,
panel discussions, field trips, etc;
2) a common meeting place for hobbyists to exchange ideas information
and
3) public exhibitions and shows.
ARTICLE III–BOARD OF DIRECTORS and OFFICERS
Section 1: Board of Directors
The Society shall be governed by a board of directors consisting
of five officers, the immediate past president, and ten elected
directors, one of which is to be a junior member.
Section 2: Officers
Officers of the Society shall consist of a president, vice president,
recording/corresponding secretary, membership secretary, and treasurer.
Section 3: President
It shall be the duty of the president to preside at all meetings,
appoint committees, and supervise elections. The president shall
also be required to be the co-signatory on checks written on the
Society’s account(s).
Section 4: Vice President
It shall be the duty of the vice president to preside in the absence
of the president, and to perform the duties of the president whenever
he is not available.
Section 5: Recording/Corresponding Secretary
It shall be the duty of the recording/corresponding secretary to
keep minutes of all meetings and attend to all correspondence.
Section 6: Membership Secretary
It shall be the duty of the membership secretary to keep records
of attendance at meetings; to be responsible for receiving all dues,
which shall be transferred to the treasurer; and to notify the membership
of all meetings, special announcements, etc.
Section 7: Treasurer
It shall be the duty of the treasurer to issue receipts; also to
issue checks in payment of bills to cover expenses incurred by the
Society; and to report monthly income and expenditures to the board
for approval. The treasurer shall maintain a checking account for
use by the Society separate from any and all personal accounts.
All checks must be signed by both the president and the treasurer.
Section 8: Committees
Committees shall be established and chairpersons appointed by the
president as follows:
1) Program Committee
2) Refreshment Committee
3) Annual Species Show
4) Legislative and Bylaws
5) Membership
6) Breeders Award Program
7) Publication
8) AHAP
Section 9: Duties and Funding of Committees
It shall be the duty of the board of directors to establish the
responsibilities for each of the committees listed in Section 8
and to appropriate or approve those funds necessary to carry out
such responsibilities.
Section 10: Role of the Board of Directors
The board will act as advisors to the president. The board and officers
will meet officially twelve times per year, and they shall meet
at least two weeks before the date of the regular Society meeting.
ARTICLE IV–ELECTION PROCEDURE
Section 1: Nominating Committee
At the October meeting, the president shall appoint a nominating
committee consisting of at least three members of the board of directors
and officers. The committee shall present a slate of candidates,
willing to serve if elected as officers or directors. Nominations
will be accepted from the floor at the open meeting, but not more
than two additional candidates will be accepted for each office.
No more than six additional candidates will be accepted from the
floor for positions as directors.
Section 2: Candidates
Candidates for office shall be at least eighteen years of age, except
for one director who shall be eighteen years of age or less, and
at least ten years at the time of election. In the event a candidate
is not available in this age bracket, the age requirement may be
waived and candidates increased to provide election of sufficient
number to satisfy Article III, section 1. All candidates must be
members in good standing (dues paid). Candidates for the office
of the treasurer, prior to the assumption of that office, must have
served a minimum of one complete year as a member of the Board of
Directors.
Section 3: Terms of Office
The Officers shall be elected for a one year term by members in
good standing, and may be re-elected. The President is limited to
two consecutive terms. After a break in service, a past President
may run again. The Immediate past President shall automatically
become a member of the Board. Each elected member of the Board shall
serve for a two year term with five to be elected every year.
Section 4: Nomination of Absent Members
No absent member shall be nominated for any office unless the member
making the nomination shall vouch for such member’s acceptance
of office if elected.
Section 5: Election Date
Election shall be held at the January meeting. The President shall
appoint a committee of three, consisting of one judge and two tellers,
who will distribute ballots and tally the vote. The judge shall
declare aloud the names of the successful candidates.
Section 6: Vacancies
In case of vacancy in any office, a new officer shall be nominated
by the President and approved by the Board to fill the unexpired
term. Unexcused absences form three consecutive board meetings shall
create a vacancy.
ARTICLE V–MEETINGS
Section 1: Regular Meetings
The regular meetings shall be held on the LAST Friday of every month
unless otherwise designated.
Section 2: Special Meetings
Special Meetings may be called by the president, or by written request
of seven members in good standing. No business shall be transacted
except that for which such meeting was called. The membership must
receive notice of such meetings.
Section 3: Quorums
A quorum shall be necessary to transact official business at any
board meeting. A quorum will consist of eight board members, two
of which must be officers.
Section 4: Open Meetings of the Board of Directors
All board of directors meetings shall be open to the general membership
as long as such members are in good standing and hold current membership
cards. Such members shall have no voice at a board of directors
meeting unless recognized by the chair.
ARTICLE VI–DUES AND MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Dues
Annual dues for membership shall be set by the board of directors.
Changes in dues must be approved by the members. Specific provision
for pro rated memberships for new members not on the rolls the prior
year and special awarded memberships may be granted as provided
by a membership vote and documented in the membership handbook.
Section 2: Membership Term
Membership is granted for ONE CALANDAR YEAR (JANUARY 1 THOURGH DECEMBER
31) in the year that dues are paid. Dues may be paid in advance
for the following year.
Section 3: Delinquent Dues
Those becoming delinquent in membership shall be given two notices
by the membership secretary. If dues are not forthcoming, they will
be dropped from the membership list.
Section 4: Payment of Dues
Dues are payable to the membership secretary.
ARTICLE VII–ASSETS AT DISSOLUTION
If the Greater Pittsburgh Aquarium Society, Inc should be disbanded
and the corporation dissolved, then all the remaining assets will
be donated to another 501(a) tax-exempt fish enthusiast or environmental
organization, club, or society.
ARTICLE VIII–AMENDMENTS
To amend these bylaws, it shall be necessary to read the proposed
amendment at one general meeting of the Society, and must be approved
by a majority of the membership at the following general meeting.
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