UpstateATV.com Bylaws
ARTICLE I – PURPOSE
SECTION I – The purpose of Upstate ATV Association (USATV) is; To stimulate and advance the general welfare and safety of ATV recreation; to promote the safe and responsible use of ATV’s; to serve the interests of ATV enthusiasts; to foster a positive public image for ATV recreation; to defend enthusiasts against discriminatory legislation and regulation; to stimulate and develop a fraternal spirit among ATV enthusiasts; to exchange information among members; and to perform all desirable and lawful functions for the successful operation of the club.
ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP
SECTION I – Club membership shall consist of the following categories:
Single membership – 1 adult must be 18 years or older.
Family membership (I.E. 2 adults and 3 children – children under 18 years old in the same household).
Association membership; business or organization with an interest in ATV recreation.
SECTION II -Membership is open to individuals who have reached the age of 18. Membership in the club shall be open to individuals who enjoy ATVing and who support our purpose and mission. Membership in this organization shall be non-discriminatory in basis without regard to gender, race, creed, color, or national origin. All members will have an equal stake in the club and it’s activities. Membership shall be subject to termination for good cause, as determined by the elected officers and the established policies of the organization, without reimbursement of dues. Any person attending a club function or ride under the age of 18 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
SECTION III – Each member with current dues is entitled to one vote.
SECTION IV – A member may resign from the club at any time.
SECTION V – Upstate ATV club reserves the right to deny membership to anyone for any reason, pending a two-thirds majority vote of active present club members.
ARTICLE III – DUES
SECTION I – Each member shall have their dues assessed at a rate to be determined by a two-thirds majority vote of active present members. Dues are for the fiscal year April 1 – March 31. Members joining after April 1 shall not receive a reduction or be pro-rated. Yearly club dues are $25.00 per single membership, $30.00 per family membership and $30.00 per association membership.
The new membership dues will become effective April 1, 2019
SECTION II – Yearly Upstate ATV club dues will cover all local, state, and Region 6 New York State Off-highway Recreational Vehicle Association (NYSORVA) dues.
ARTICLE IV – CLUB RULES
SECTION I – All ATV’s must be REGISTERED and INSURED. Registration numbers and renewals must be updated when a change in the current recorded status occurs. All registration numbers must be given to the club secretary or the president for filing before applicant can participate in any club rides.
SECTION II – Any conduct that is unlawful, disrespectful, or reckless will not be tolerated. Any willful violation of the club rules will be cause for expulsion from the club.
SECTION III -When on a club ride, helmets must be worn. All members will be expected to ride in a safe and sensible manner.
SECTION IV -Absolutely no littering.
SECTION V – Respect others property and the environment.
ARTICLE V – OFFICERS
SECTION I -The elected officers of this club shall be: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Board of Directors. “The Board of Directors shall include the Club Officers and a Minimum of 6 Board of Directors, not to exceed 10 total Board of Directors. Each member of the Board of Directors, in good standing, will receive free Club membership while serving as a member of the Board of Directors.” Each member of the Board of Directors shall have voice and vote. (Good standing shall mean a member attending 9 monthly meetings per year-.)
SECTION II – DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS:
PRESIDENT will have the primary responsibility of all legal and financial affairs of the organization. The President shall preside at the membership and the Board of Directors meetings, and shall appoint committees as deemed necessary. He/She will vote only when the Board of Directors needs a tiebreaker.
VICE PRESIDENT shall perform the duties of the President in his/her absence. It is the responsibility of the Vice President to keep current on all affairs of the club and to assist with the duties of the President when asked to.
SECRETARYshall keep record of all meetings of the club, and will be responsible for the legal records and whatever duties might fit this title.
TREASURER shall have the primary responsibility for the financial records of the club. He/She will oversee and record the collection of dues and all other monies. Duties also include paying lawful expenses authorized by the Board of Directors, and providing a financial report to the membership at each meeting.
SECOND CLUB TREASURER or club officer shall be responsible to work with the treasurer in tallying all monies collected at any club function or fundraiser. All monies should be accounted for before the end of such activities. Two signatures are required on the club bank account, the President and the Treasurer. The bank account statement shall be sent to the President for review before it is released to the club Treasurer.
SECTION III -Election of officers will take place at the first meeting of the new fiscal year by all members present. The Board of Director’s will be elected by vote. The elected terms of the officers will be one year. All members having current dues paid will be eligible for election.
ARTICLE VI – FISCAL YEAR
SECTION I – The fiscal year of the club shall commence on the first day of the month following the clubs charter meeting and end on the last day of the month one year later.
ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS
SECTION I – Club meetings will be held once monthly at a time and place designated by the Board of Directors. The meetings shall consist of old business, new business, treasurer’s report and anything to better realize the goal’s of the club.
SECTION II – Any formal action taken at a membership meeting shall require a majority vote of those active members present.
ARTICLE VIII – BYLAW AMENDMENTS
SECTION I – The club bylaws can be amended by a two-thirds vote of all the members present.
ARTICLE IX – DISSOLUTION OF THE CLUB
SECTION I – The club may be disbanded and dissolved by a two-thirds vote of a general membership meeting upon determination that the club is no longer viable or effective in achieving its purposes, mission or goals. Upon dissolution of and after satisfying all legal and financial obligations and liabilities, the Executive Board will sell any and all assets of the club and distribute any and all monies equally to the members of the club.
ARTICLE X – DISTRIBUTION OF EXPENSES
SECTION I – Administrative Costs – includes mandatory/operational expenses associated with managing and maintaining the club or organization shall be approved and paid by the treasurer not to exceed $500.00 unless approved at the board level.
SECTION II – Capital Purchases – purchases greater than $250.00 shall be board approved and then be voted and passed by a two-thirds majority vote of active present members.
SECTION III – Other Monetary Expenses – other than administrative and capital purchases shall be board approved and then be voted and passed by a two-thirds majority vote of active present members.
Amended at the April 1, 2018 club meeting, by a majority vote of club members in attendance.