Constitution & By-Laws
Article I
Name and Objects
Section 1.
The name of the club shall be the American Russell Terrier Club, Inc.
Section 2.
The objects of the club shall be:
(a) to encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred Russell Terriers and to do all possible to preserve their natural qualities to perfection.
(b) to urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which the Russell Terrier shall be judged.
(c) to do all in its power to protect and advance the interest of the breed by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at Dog Shows, Obedience Trials, Tracking Tests, Earth Dog tests, Rally and Agility.
(d) to conduct sanctioned matches at Dog Shows, Obedience Trials, Tracking Tests, Earth Dog Tests, Rally, Agility, and any other event for which the club and breed is eligible under the Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel Club.
(e) to encourage the organization of independent local specialty clubs in those localities where there are sufficient fanciers of the breed to meet the requirements of The American Kennel Club.
Section 3.
The club shall not be conducted or operated for profit and no part of any profits or remainder or residue from dues or donations to the club shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual.
Section 4.
The members of the club shall adopt and may from time to time revise such bylaws as may be required to carry out these objects.
BYLAWS
Article I
Membership
Section 1.
Eligibility. There shall be six (6) types of membership open to all persons 18 years of age and older who are in good standing with The American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes of this Club and one (1) Junior membership open to children 9-17 years of age.
While membership is to be unrestricted as to residence, the club’s primary purpose is to be representative of the breeders and exhibitors in its immediate area.
(a) Regular (individual): Enjoys all club privileges and is eligible to vote and hold office.
(b) Household: Two (2) adult members residing in the same household, each eligible to vote and hold office.
(c) International/Foreign memberships: Entitled to all club privileges except voting and holding office
(d) Associate or Newsletter: Entitled to all club privileges except voting and office holding.
(e) Junior: Open to children 9 yrs of age and under 18 years of age: a non-voting/non-office holding membership which may automatically convert to regular membership at age 18.
(f) Honorary: An individual who has made significant contributions to the Sport Breed or the Club: honorary members pay no dues and are not eligible to vote, but can maintain regular or household membership if they pay dues.
(g) Life: For those individuals who have been members for a long period of time, usually 20+years; Life members pay no dues but are eligible to vote hold office.
Section 2.
Dues: Membership dues including Newsletter/Foreign membership shall not exceed $40. Single membership dues shall not $45.00 per year. Household memberships shall not exceed $50.00 per year and junior membership shall be at no charge. All dues are payable on or before the 1st day of January of each year. (Dues will be prorated for new members if received after Sept 30 of the current year). No member may vote whose dues are not paid by March 30, for the current year. During the month of November the Treasurer shall send to each member a statement of dues for the ensuing year, by regular mail or by email. An increase of dues up to the limits stated above shall be determined by a majority vote of the board of directors.
Section 3.
Election to Membership: Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as approved by the board of directors and which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the constitution and bylaws and the rules of the American Kennel Club and The American Russell Terrier Club Code of Ethics. The application shall state the name, address, and occupation of the applicant and it shall carry the endorsement of two members in good standing. Accompanying the application the prospective member shall submit dues payment for the current year.
Applications will be voted upon and affirmative secret vote of 2/3 of the directors present at that meeting or 2/3 of the entire board voting by mail shall be required.
An application which has received a negative vote by the board may be presented by one of the applicant's endorsers at the next annual meeting of the club and the members may elect such applicant by secret ballot and a favorable vote of 75% of the members
present and voting.
Applicants for membership who have been rejected by the club may not reapply within twelve (12) months after such rejection.
Section 4.
Termination of Membership:
Memberships may be terminated:
(a) By resignation: Any member in good standing may resign from the club upon written notice to the Secretary, but no member may resign when in debt to the club. Obligations other than dues are considered a debt to the club and must be paid in full prior to resignation.
(b) By lapsing. A membership will be considered as lapsed and automatically terminated if such member's dues remain unpaid 90 days after the first day of the fiscal year; however, the board may grant an additional 90 days of grace to such delinquent members in meritorious cases. In no case may a person be entitled to vote at any club meeting whose dues are unpaid as of the date of that meeting.
(c) By expulsion. A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article VI of these bylaws.
Article II
Meetings and Voting
Section1.
Annual Club Meetings.
The Annual Meeting of the club shall be held in the month of October in conjunction with the club’s specialty show when possible, at such hour and place as may be designated by the board of directors. Written notice of each such meeting shall be sent by email or regular mail by the Secretary at least 30 days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such meetings shall be 10 percent of the members in good standing.
Section 2.
Special Club Meetings.
Special Club meeting may be called by the President or by a majority vote of the members of the Board who are present and voting at any special meeting of the board: and shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a petition signed by 20% of the members in good standing. Such meeting shall be held as such place, date and hour as may be designated by the board. Written notice of such shall be mailed by the Secretary at least 14 days and not more than 30 days prior to the meeting. The notice of the meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting and no other Club business may be transacted. The quorum for such a meeting shall be 10%of the members in good standing.
Section 3.
Board Meetings: Meetings of the board of directors shall be held each month in Lexington, KY (or within the greater Lexington KY area) or via telephone conference call or via video conference at such hour and place as may be designated by the board. Written notice of each such meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary at least five days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such a meeting shall be a majority of the board.
Section 4.
Board Business:
The Board of Directors may conduct its business by mail, fax, email, via the Internet or telephone conference call through the Secretary provided it does not conflict with any other provisions of these bylaws. Items voted upon by telephone conference call must be confirmed by the Secretary in writing within 7 days.
Artical III
Directors and Officers
Section 1.
Board of Directors.
The board shall be comprised of the officers and 3 other persons, all of whom shall be members in good standing residing in the United States, and all of whom shall be elected for two-year terms at the club's annual meeting as provided in Article IV and shall serve until their successors are elected. The President, Treasurer, Secretary or Secretary/Treasurer and one Board member shall be elected in the even years. The Vice President and two Board members shall be elected in the odd years. General management of the club's affairs shall be entrusted to the board of directors, all of whom must reside in the United States. Multiple members of the same household may not serve on the board at the same time.
Section 2.
Officers.
The club's officers, consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, shall serve in their respective capacities both with regard to the club and its meetings and the board and its meetings.
(a) The President shall preside at all meetings of the club and of the board, and shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of President in addition to those particularly specified in these bylaws.
(b) The Vice President shall have the duties and exercise the powers of the President in case of the Presidents' death, absence or incapacity.
(c) The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings of the club and of the board and of all matters of which a record shall be ordered by the club; have charge of the correspondence, notify members of meetings, notify new members of their election to membership, notify officers and directors of their election to office, keep a roll of the members of the club with their addresses, and carry out such duties as are prescribed in these bylaws.
(d) The Treasurer shall collect and receive all moneys due or belonging to the club. Moneys shall be deposited in a bank designated by the board, in the name of the club. The books shall at all times be open to inspection by the board and a report shall be given at every meeting on the condition of the club's finances and ever item of receipt or payment not before reported; and at the annual meeting an accounting shall be rendered of all moneys received and expended during the previous fiscal year. The Treasurer shall be bonded in such amount as the board of directors shall determine.
(e) The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by the same person, in which case the board shall be comprised of 3 persons.
(f) AKC Delegate, amongst other duties, the delegate shall report to the Club all actions and matters discussed at the AKC Quarterly Meetings. The Club Delegate shall not sit on the Board of Directors of the ARTC. The duties of the AKC delegate will take effect at the time the club becomes a member club of the American Kennel Club.
Section 3.
Vacancies.
Any vacancies occurring on the board or among the offices during the year shall be filled until the next annual election by a majority vote of all the then members of the board at its first regular meeting following the creation of such vacancy, or at a special board meeting called for that purpose; except that a vacancy in the office of President shall be filled automatically by the Vice President and the resulting vacancy in the office of Vice President shall be filled by the board.
ARTICLE IV
The Club Year, Annual Meeting, Elections, The Club Year, Voting, Nominations, Elections
Section 1.
The Club Year.
The club's fiscal year shall begin on the 1st day of January and end on the last day of December. The club's official year shall begin immediately at the conclusion of the election and shall continue through the next election. The elected officers and director shall take office on the first day of the month following the election and each retiring officer shall turn over to his successor in office all properties and records relating to that office within 30 days after the election.
Section 2.
Voting
At the annual meeting or at a special meeting of the club, voting shall be limited to those members in good standing who are present at the meeting, except for the annual election of officers (delegate) and directors and amendments to the constitution and bylaws and the standard for the breed, which shall be decided by written ballot cast by mail. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted. The board of directors may decide to submit other specific questions for decision of the members by written ballot cast by mail.
Section 3.
Annual Election:
he election of officers, directors and delegates to The American Kennel Club (who may but need not be a director or officer of the club) shall be conducted by secret ballot. To be valid, ballots must be received by the secretary (or independent professional firm designated by the board) postmarked by September 15th. Ballots shall be counted by three inspectors of election who are members in good standing and neither members of the current board nor candidates on the ballot (provided, however, that the board may
designate an independent professional firm to send, receive and count the ballots apart from the annual meeting).
The nominated candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for each office shall be declared elected. If a nominee, at the time of the meeting, is unable to serve for any reason, such nominee shall not be elected and the vacancy so created shall be filled by the new board of directors in the manner provided by Article III, Section 3.
Section 4.
Nominations and Ballots:
No person may be a candidate in a club election who has not been nominated in accordance with these bylaws. A Nominating Committee shall be chosen by the board of directors before the 1st of June. The committee shall consist of three members from different areas of the United States of America and two alternates, all members in good standing, no more than one of whom may be a member of the current board of directors. The board shall name a chairman for the committee. The Nominating Committee may conduct its business by mail or email.
(a) The Nominating Committee shall nominate from among the eligible members of the club, one candidate for each office and for each position on the board of directors (and for the delegate to The American Kennel Club) and shall procure the acceptance of each nominee so chosen. The committee should consider geographical representation of the membership on the board to the extent that it is practicable to do so. The committee shall then submit its slate of candidates to the Secretary, who shall mail the list , including the full name of each candidate and the name of the state in which he resides, to each member of the club on or before July 1st, so that additional nominations may be made by the members if they so desire.
(b) Additional nominations of eligible members may be made by written petition addressed to the Secretary and postmarked on or before the 1st of August, signed by five members and accompanied by the written acceptance of each such additional nominee signifying his willingness to be a candidate. Except for the position of delegate, no person shall be a candidate for more than one position.
(c) If no valid additional nominations are postmarked on or before the 1st of August, the Nominating Committee’s slate shall be declared elected and no balloting will be required.
(d) If one or more valid additional nominations are postmarked on or before August 1st, the Secretary (or an independent firm designated by the board), shall, on or before the 15th of August, mail to each member in good standing a ballot listing all of the nominees for each position in alphabetical order, with names of the states in which they reside, together with a blank envelope and a return envelope addressed to the Secretary (or designated professional firm) marked “Ballot” and bearing the name of the member to whom it was sent. So that the ballots may remain secret, each voter after marking their ballot, shall seal it in the blank envelope, which in turn shall be placed in the second envelope addressed to the Secretary (or designated professional firm). The inspectors of election (or designated professional firm) shall check the returns against the list of members whose dues are paid for the current year prior to the opening the outer envelopes and removing the blank envelopes, and shall certify the eligibility of the voters as well as the results of voting, which shall be announced at the annual meeting.
(e) Nominations cannot be made at the annual meeting or in any manner other than as provided above.
ARTICLE V
Committees:
Section 1.
The board may each year appoint standing committees to advance the work of the club in such matters as dog shows, obedience trials, trophies, annual prizes, membership, and other fields which may well be served by committees. Such committees shall always be subject to the final authority of the board. Special committees may also be appointed by the board to aid it on particular projects.
SECTION 2.
Any committee appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of the board upon written notice to the appointee; and the board may appoint successors to those persons whose services hve been terminated.
ARTICLE VI
Discipline:
SECTION 1.
American Kennel Club Suspension:
Any member who is suspended from any of the privileges of The American Kennel Club automatically shall be suspended from the privileges of this club for a like period.
SECTION 2.
Charges:
An individual member may prefer charges against another individual member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the club. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a deposit of $200.00, which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the board following a hearing. The Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the board or board committee or present them at a board meeting, and the board or board committee shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the club. If the board or board committee considers that the charges do not allege conduct which would be prejudicial to the best interests of the club, it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction. If the board or board committee entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date for a hearing by the board or a committee of not less than three members of the board or board committee not less than three weeks nor more than six weeks thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges and the specifications to the accused member by registered mail together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his own defense and bring witnesses if he wishes.
SECTION 3.
Board Hearing:
The board or board committee shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the board or board committee may by a majority vote of those present reprimand or suspend the defendant from all privileges of the club for not more than six months from the date of the hearing. And, if it deems that punishment insufficient, it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case, the suspension shall not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before his fellow members at the ensuing club meeting which considers the board’s or board committee’s recommendation from the date of the hearing or until the next annual meeting that will occur after six months. after the board or board committee had reached a decision, its finding shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the board’s or board committee’s decision and penalty, if any.
SECTION 4.
Expulsion: Expulsion of a member from the club may be accomplished only at the annual meeting of the club following a hearing and upon the recommendation of the board or board committee as provided in Section 3. of this Article. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his own behalf, though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges and the findings and recommendations, and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his own behalf. The members shall then vote by secret ballot on the proposed expulsion. A 2⁄3 vote of those present and voting at the annual meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the suspension shall stand proceeding within 60 but not earlier than 30 days after the board’s recommendation for expulsion.
ARTICLE VII
Amendments:
SECTION 1.
Amendments to the constitution and bylaws or the breed standard may be proposed by the board of directors or by written petition addressed to the Secretary signed by 20 percent of the membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such petition shall be promptly considered by the board of directors and must be submitted to the members with recommendations of the board by the Secretary for a vote within three months of the date when the petition was received by the Secretary.
SECTION 2.
The constitution and bylaws or standard for the breed may be amended at any time, provided a copy of the proposed amendment has been mailed by the Secretary to each member in good standing on the date of mailing, accompanied by a ballot on which a choice for and against the action to be taken shall be indicated. Dual-envelope procedures described in Article IV, Section 4(d) shall be followed in handling such ballots, to assure secrecy of the vote. Notice with such ballot shall specify a date not less than 30 days after the date postmarked, by which date the ballots must be returned to the Secretary to be counted. The favorable vote of 2/3 of the members in good standing who return valid ballots within the time limit shall be required to effect such amendment.
SECTION 3.
No amendment to the constitution and bylaws that is adopted by the club shall become effective until it has been approved by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club.
ARTICLE VIII
Dissolution:
Section 1.
The club may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than 2/3 of the members in good standing. In the event of the dissolution of the club other than for purposes of reorganization whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, none of the property of the club nor any proceeds there of nor any assets of the club shall be distributed to any members of the club, but after payment of the debts of the club its property and assets shall be given to a charitable organization for the benefit of dogs selected by the board of directors.
ARTICLE IX
Order of Business:
SECTION 1.
At meetings of the club, the order of business, so far as the character and nature of the meeting may permit, shall be as follows:
Roll Call
Minutes of last meeting
Report of President
Report of Secretary
Report of Treasurer
Reports of committees
Election of officers and board (at annual meeting)
Election of new members
Unfinished business
New business
Adjournment
SECTION 2.
At meetings of the board, the order of business, unless otherwise directed by majority vote of those present, shall be as follows:
Reading of minutes of last meeting
Report of Secretary
Report of Treasurer
Reports of committees
Unfinished business
New business
Adjournment
ARTICLE X
Parliamentary Authority
SECTION 1.
The rules contained in the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised,” shall govern the club in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any other special rules of order the club may adopt.
Name and Objects
Section 1.
The name of the club shall be the American Russell Terrier Club, Inc.
Section 2.
The objects of the club shall be:
(a) to encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred Russell Terriers and to do all possible to preserve their natural qualities to perfection.
(b) to urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which the Russell Terrier shall be judged.
(c) to do all in its power to protect and advance the interest of the breed by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at Dog Shows, Obedience Trials, Tracking Tests, Earth Dog tests, Rally and Agility.
(d) to conduct sanctioned matches at Dog Shows, Obedience Trials, Tracking Tests, Earth Dog Tests, Rally, Agility, and any other event for which the club and breed is eligible under the Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel Club.
(e) to encourage the organization of independent local specialty clubs in those localities where there are sufficient fanciers of the breed to meet the requirements of The American Kennel Club.
Section 3.
The club shall not be conducted or operated for profit and no part of any profits or remainder or residue from dues or donations to the club shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual.
Section 4.
The members of the club shall adopt and may from time to time revise such bylaws as may be required to carry out these objects.
BYLAWS
Article I
Membership
Section 1.
Eligibility. There shall be six (6) types of membership open to all persons 18 years of age and older who are in good standing with The American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes of this Club and one (1) Junior membership open to children 9-17 years of age.
While membership is to be unrestricted as to residence, the club’s primary purpose is to be representative of the breeders and exhibitors in its immediate area.
(a) Regular (individual): Enjoys all club privileges and is eligible to vote and hold office.
(b) Household: Two (2) adult members residing in the same household, each eligible to vote and hold office.
(c) International/Foreign memberships: Entitled to all club privileges except voting and holding office
(d) Associate or Newsletter: Entitled to all club privileges except voting and office holding.
(e) Junior: Open to children 9 yrs of age and under 18 years of age: a non-voting/non-office holding membership which may automatically convert to regular membership at age 18.
(f) Honorary: An individual who has made significant contributions to the Sport Breed or the Club: honorary members pay no dues and are not eligible to vote, but can maintain regular or household membership if they pay dues.
(g) Life: For those individuals who have been members for a long period of time, usually 20+years; Life members pay no dues but are eligible to vote hold office.
Section 2.
Dues: Membership dues including Newsletter/Foreign membership shall not exceed $40. Single membership dues shall not $45.00 per year. Household memberships shall not exceed $50.00 per year and junior membership shall be at no charge. All dues are payable on or before the 1st day of January of each year. (Dues will be prorated for new members if received after Sept 30 of the current year). No member may vote whose dues are not paid by March 30, for the current year. During the month of November the Treasurer shall send to each member a statement of dues for the ensuing year, by regular mail or by email. An increase of dues up to the limits stated above shall be determined by a majority vote of the board of directors.
Section 3.
Election to Membership: Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as approved by the board of directors and which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the constitution and bylaws and the rules of the American Kennel Club and The American Russell Terrier Club Code of Ethics. The application shall state the name, address, and occupation of the applicant and it shall carry the endorsement of two members in good standing. Accompanying the application the prospective member shall submit dues payment for the current year.
Applications will be voted upon and affirmative secret vote of 2/3 of the directors present at that meeting or 2/3 of the entire board voting by mail shall be required.
An application which has received a negative vote by the board may be presented by one of the applicant's endorsers at the next annual meeting of the club and the members may elect such applicant by secret ballot and a favorable vote of 75% of the members
present and voting.
Applicants for membership who have been rejected by the club may not reapply within twelve (12) months after such rejection.
Section 4.
Termination of Membership:
Memberships may be terminated:
(a) By resignation: Any member in good standing may resign from the club upon written notice to the Secretary, but no member may resign when in debt to the club. Obligations other than dues are considered a debt to the club and must be paid in full prior to resignation.
(b) By lapsing. A membership will be considered as lapsed and automatically terminated if such member's dues remain unpaid 90 days after the first day of the fiscal year; however, the board may grant an additional 90 days of grace to such delinquent members in meritorious cases. In no case may a person be entitled to vote at any club meeting whose dues are unpaid as of the date of that meeting.
(c) By expulsion. A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article VI of these bylaws.
Article II
Meetings and Voting
Section1.
Annual Club Meetings.
The Annual Meeting of the club shall be held in the month of October in conjunction with the club’s specialty show when possible, at such hour and place as may be designated by the board of directors. Written notice of each such meeting shall be sent by email or regular mail by the Secretary at least 30 days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such meetings shall be 10 percent of the members in good standing.
Section 2.
Special Club Meetings.
Special Club meeting may be called by the President or by a majority vote of the members of the Board who are present and voting at any special meeting of the board: and shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a petition signed by 20% of the members in good standing. Such meeting shall be held as such place, date and hour as may be designated by the board. Written notice of such shall be mailed by the Secretary at least 14 days and not more than 30 days prior to the meeting. The notice of the meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting and no other Club business may be transacted. The quorum for such a meeting shall be 10%of the members in good standing.
Section 3.
Board Meetings: Meetings of the board of directors shall be held each month in Lexington, KY (or within the greater Lexington KY area) or via telephone conference call or via video conference at such hour and place as may be designated by the board. Written notice of each such meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary at least five days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such a meeting shall be a majority of the board.
Section 4.
Board Business:
The Board of Directors may conduct its business by mail, fax, email, via the Internet or telephone conference call through the Secretary provided it does not conflict with any other provisions of these bylaws. Items voted upon by telephone conference call must be confirmed by the Secretary in writing within 7 days.
Artical III
Directors and Officers
Section 1.
Board of Directors.
The board shall be comprised of the officers and 3 other persons, all of whom shall be members in good standing residing in the United States, and all of whom shall be elected for two-year terms at the club's annual meeting as provided in Article IV and shall serve until their successors are elected. The President, Treasurer, Secretary or Secretary/Treasurer and one Board member shall be elected in the even years. The Vice President and two Board members shall be elected in the odd years. General management of the club's affairs shall be entrusted to the board of directors, all of whom must reside in the United States. Multiple members of the same household may not serve on the board at the same time.
Section 2.
Officers.
The club's officers, consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, shall serve in their respective capacities both with regard to the club and its meetings and the board and its meetings.
(a) The President shall preside at all meetings of the club and of the board, and shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of President in addition to those particularly specified in these bylaws.
(b) The Vice President shall have the duties and exercise the powers of the President in case of the Presidents' death, absence or incapacity.
(c) The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings of the club and of the board and of all matters of which a record shall be ordered by the club; have charge of the correspondence, notify members of meetings, notify new members of their election to membership, notify officers and directors of their election to office, keep a roll of the members of the club with their addresses, and carry out such duties as are prescribed in these bylaws.
(d) The Treasurer shall collect and receive all moneys due or belonging to the club. Moneys shall be deposited in a bank designated by the board, in the name of the club. The books shall at all times be open to inspection by the board and a report shall be given at every meeting on the condition of the club's finances and ever item of receipt or payment not before reported; and at the annual meeting an accounting shall be rendered of all moneys received and expended during the previous fiscal year. The Treasurer shall be bonded in such amount as the board of directors shall determine.
(e) The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by the same person, in which case the board shall be comprised of 3 persons.
(f) AKC Delegate, amongst other duties, the delegate shall report to the Club all actions and matters discussed at the AKC Quarterly Meetings. The Club Delegate shall not sit on the Board of Directors of the ARTC. The duties of the AKC delegate will take effect at the time the club becomes a member club of the American Kennel Club.
Section 3.
Vacancies.
Any vacancies occurring on the board or among the offices during the year shall be filled until the next annual election by a majority vote of all the then members of the board at its first regular meeting following the creation of such vacancy, or at a special board meeting called for that purpose; except that a vacancy in the office of President shall be filled automatically by the Vice President and the resulting vacancy in the office of Vice President shall be filled by the board.
ARTICLE IV
The Club Year, Annual Meeting, Elections, The Club Year, Voting, Nominations, Elections
Section 1.
The Club Year.
The club's fiscal year shall begin on the 1st day of January and end on the last day of December. The club's official year shall begin immediately at the conclusion of the election and shall continue through the next election. The elected officers and director shall take office on the first day of the month following the election and each retiring officer shall turn over to his successor in office all properties and records relating to that office within 30 days after the election.
Section 2.
Voting
At the annual meeting or at a special meeting of the club, voting shall be limited to those members in good standing who are present at the meeting, except for the annual election of officers (delegate) and directors and amendments to the constitution and bylaws and the standard for the breed, which shall be decided by written ballot cast by mail. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted. The board of directors may decide to submit other specific questions for decision of the members by written ballot cast by mail.
Section 3.
Annual Election:
he election of officers, directors and delegates to The American Kennel Club (who may but need not be a director or officer of the club) shall be conducted by secret ballot. To be valid, ballots must be received by the secretary (or independent professional firm designated by the board) postmarked by September 15th. Ballots shall be counted by three inspectors of election who are members in good standing and neither members of the current board nor candidates on the ballot (provided, however, that the board may
designate an independent professional firm to send, receive and count the ballots apart from the annual meeting).
The nominated candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for each office shall be declared elected. If a nominee, at the time of the meeting, is unable to serve for any reason, such nominee shall not be elected and the vacancy so created shall be filled by the new board of directors in the manner provided by Article III, Section 3.
Section 4.
Nominations and Ballots:
No person may be a candidate in a club election who has not been nominated in accordance with these bylaws. A Nominating Committee shall be chosen by the board of directors before the 1st of June. The committee shall consist of three members from different areas of the United States of America and two alternates, all members in good standing, no more than one of whom may be a member of the current board of directors. The board shall name a chairman for the committee. The Nominating Committee may conduct its business by mail or email.
(a) The Nominating Committee shall nominate from among the eligible members of the club, one candidate for each office and for each position on the board of directors (and for the delegate to The American Kennel Club) and shall procure the acceptance of each nominee so chosen. The committee should consider geographical representation of the membership on the board to the extent that it is practicable to do so. The committee shall then submit its slate of candidates to the Secretary, who shall mail the list , including the full name of each candidate and the name of the state in which he resides, to each member of the club on or before July 1st, so that additional nominations may be made by the members if they so desire.
(b) Additional nominations of eligible members may be made by written petition addressed to the Secretary and postmarked on or before the 1st of August, signed by five members and accompanied by the written acceptance of each such additional nominee signifying his willingness to be a candidate. Except for the position of delegate, no person shall be a candidate for more than one position.
(c) If no valid additional nominations are postmarked on or before the 1st of August, the Nominating Committee’s slate shall be declared elected and no balloting will be required.
(d) If one or more valid additional nominations are postmarked on or before August 1st, the Secretary (or an independent firm designated by the board), shall, on or before the 15th of August, mail to each member in good standing a ballot listing all of the nominees for each position in alphabetical order, with names of the states in which they reside, together with a blank envelope and a return envelope addressed to the Secretary (or designated professional firm) marked “Ballot” and bearing the name of the member to whom it was sent. So that the ballots may remain secret, each voter after marking their ballot, shall seal it in the blank envelope, which in turn shall be placed in the second envelope addressed to the Secretary (or designated professional firm). The inspectors of election (or designated professional firm) shall check the returns against the list of members whose dues are paid for the current year prior to the opening the outer envelopes and removing the blank envelopes, and shall certify the eligibility of the voters as well as the results of voting, which shall be announced at the annual meeting.
(e) Nominations cannot be made at the annual meeting or in any manner other than as provided above.
ARTICLE V
Committees:
Section 1.
The board may each year appoint standing committees to advance the work of the club in such matters as dog shows, obedience trials, trophies, annual prizes, membership, and other fields which may well be served by committees. Such committees shall always be subject to the final authority of the board. Special committees may also be appointed by the board to aid it on particular projects.
SECTION 2.
Any committee appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of the board upon written notice to the appointee; and the board may appoint successors to those persons whose services hve been terminated.
ARTICLE VI
Discipline:
SECTION 1.
American Kennel Club Suspension:
Any member who is suspended from any of the privileges of The American Kennel Club automatically shall be suspended from the privileges of this club for a like period.
SECTION 2.
Charges:
An individual member may prefer charges against another individual member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the club. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a deposit of $200.00, which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the board following a hearing. The Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the board or board committee or present them at a board meeting, and the board or board committee shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the club. If the board or board committee considers that the charges do not allege conduct which would be prejudicial to the best interests of the club, it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction. If the board or board committee entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date for a hearing by the board or a committee of not less than three members of the board or board committee not less than three weeks nor more than six weeks thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges and the specifications to the accused member by registered mail together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his own defense and bring witnesses if he wishes.
SECTION 3.
Board Hearing:
The board or board committee shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the board or board committee may by a majority vote of those present reprimand or suspend the defendant from all privileges of the club for not more than six months from the date of the hearing. And, if it deems that punishment insufficient, it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case, the suspension shall not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before his fellow members at the ensuing club meeting which considers the board’s or board committee’s recommendation from the date of the hearing or until the next annual meeting that will occur after six months. after the board or board committee had reached a decision, its finding shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the board’s or board committee’s decision and penalty, if any.
SECTION 4.
Expulsion: Expulsion of a member from the club may be accomplished only at the annual meeting of the club following a hearing and upon the recommendation of the board or board committee as provided in Section 3. of this Article. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his own behalf, though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges and the findings and recommendations, and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his own behalf. The members shall then vote by secret ballot on the proposed expulsion. A 2⁄3 vote of those present and voting at the annual meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the suspension shall stand proceeding within 60 but not earlier than 30 days after the board’s recommendation for expulsion.
ARTICLE VII
Amendments:
SECTION 1.
Amendments to the constitution and bylaws or the breed standard may be proposed by the board of directors or by written petition addressed to the Secretary signed by 20 percent of the membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such petition shall be promptly considered by the board of directors and must be submitted to the members with recommendations of the board by the Secretary for a vote within three months of the date when the petition was received by the Secretary.
SECTION 2.
The constitution and bylaws or standard for the breed may be amended at any time, provided a copy of the proposed amendment has been mailed by the Secretary to each member in good standing on the date of mailing, accompanied by a ballot on which a choice for and against the action to be taken shall be indicated. Dual-envelope procedures described in Article IV, Section 4(d) shall be followed in handling such ballots, to assure secrecy of the vote. Notice with such ballot shall specify a date not less than 30 days after the date postmarked, by which date the ballots must be returned to the Secretary to be counted. The favorable vote of 2/3 of the members in good standing who return valid ballots within the time limit shall be required to effect such amendment.
SECTION 3.
No amendment to the constitution and bylaws that is adopted by the club shall become effective until it has been approved by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club.
ARTICLE VIII
Dissolution:
Section 1.
The club may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than 2/3 of the members in good standing. In the event of the dissolution of the club other than for purposes of reorganization whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, none of the property of the club nor any proceeds there of nor any assets of the club shall be distributed to any members of the club, but after payment of the debts of the club its property and assets shall be given to a charitable organization for the benefit of dogs selected by the board of directors.
ARTICLE IX
Order of Business:
SECTION 1.
At meetings of the club, the order of business, so far as the character and nature of the meeting may permit, shall be as follows:
Roll Call
Minutes of last meeting
Report of President
Report of Secretary
Report of Treasurer
Reports of committees
Election of officers and board (at annual meeting)
Election of new members
Unfinished business
New business
Adjournment
SECTION 2.
At meetings of the board, the order of business, unless otherwise directed by majority vote of those present, shall be as follows:
Reading of minutes of last meeting
Report of Secretary
Report of Treasurer
Reports of committees
Unfinished business
New business
Adjournment
ARTICLE X
Parliamentary Authority
SECTION 1.
The rules contained in the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised,” shall govern the club in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any other special rules of order the club may adopt.
