Pioneer Valley Aquarium Society

A.  The name of the organization is Pioneer Valley Aquarium Society.

 

B.   The purpose of the organization is to promote the hobby of and disseminate information about tropical fish keeping, by gathering, sharing information, displaying, breeding and appreciating tropical fish and related aquatic life.

A.  Any person who has an interest in tropical fish and related aquatic life is eligible for membership in the organization. Upon application and payment of the dues, the applicant will become a member in good standing of the organization. Any member may voluntarily withdraw at any time.

 

 

B.   Membership will not be transferable; membership and voting rights will terminate upon withdrawal or expulsion.

 

C.   The dues for membership are paid per household, or per individual, at the rate set by the Board of Directors.  Dues are payable annually in January. Members whose dues have not been paid by the March general meeting will lose privileges and voting rights until the dues are paid.

 

 

Article III – Code of Conduct

a.     Members shall promote and bring credit to the society. Members shall not use their position in the society for personal gain. Members shall respect the opinions of other members, other hobbyists outside the society, and any businesses with whom the society has a relationship.

 

b.     Any member who willfully brings injury or discredit to the society, or disrupts general meetings or meetings of the Board of Directors, or engages in conduct deemed detrimental the society, will be considered to be in violation of the Code of Conduct and will be subject to expulsion from the society. A hearing will be held by the BOD to consider the expulsion. The member in question will be notified and has the right and will be encouraged to attend the hearing to present their position.  The BOD’s recommendation for expulsion must be unanimous.

 

ARTICLE III - Meetings

A. General meetings of the organization will take place each month, except July and August, at a place, date and time set by the Board of Directors. The current meeting schedule is the first Tuesday of the month.

 

 

B.   The four positions of Board Officers shall be president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. These four positions will serve a term of one (1) year. Any officer can hold only one position per term.  The additional three Board members will each serve a term of two years.

 

C.   Board of Director meetings will take place on the third Tuesday of each month, except July and August, at an agreed place, date and time set by the Board of Directors. Attendance will include all available Board Members, but is also open to the general membership, who shall be given notice of Board Meetings usually at the regular meetings.

A.     The president will appoint a nominating committee chairperson, who may form a committee, which will present a slate of candidates for the general election. At the June general meeting, the nominations will be presented to the membership followed by any additional nominations for Officers and Board Members from the floor. When there is only one nominee for an office the election of the nominee to that office may be by acclamation. The nominee for each office receiving the highest number of votes will be declared elected to that office. In the event there is a tie vote for an office, votes will be recast until one nominee receives the highest number of votes.

 

B.   All voting will be done personally by members in good standing.  Each member, whether a family member or an individual member has 1 (one) vote. Voting by absentee ballot will or will not be allowed at the discretion of the executive committee.

 

A.  The duties of the president are:

 

1.   To preside at all meetings, and supervise the affairs of the organization.

2.   To create committees, as necessary, to assist in accomplishing the purposes of the Organization, and to appoint committee chairperson (s) as needed; such chairperson will appoint a committee as necessary, and will make monthly progress reports to the Board.

3.   To ensure the publication of a newsletter in a timely manner by appointing a newsletter editor.

4.   To appoint custodians of the property of the organization, such as books, kitchen equipment, auction goods.

 

B.   The duties of the vice president are:

 

1.   To assume the duties of the president in the event of absence, withdrawal, inability, or refusal to act by the president.

2.   To perform the duties, as from time to time, may be delegated by the president.

3.   To be ex officio member of all committees.

 

C.   The duties of the secretary are:

 

 1.  To cause notices to be served, as required by the bylaws.

 2.  To keep minutes of all regular meetings and board meetings of the Organization.

 3.  To perform other duties, as from time to time, may be assigned by the president.

 

D.  The duties of the treasurer are:

 

1.   To pay pre-determined accounts, as may be authorized by the membership, and, pay the bills presented. All expenditures must be approved by the Board.

2.   To prepare and submit written, itemized report of receipts and expenditures for the past fiscal year, and at any other time when directed by the president;

 3.  To prepare and submit all reports required by any government agency;

 4.  To perform other duties, as from time to time, may be assigned by the president.

 

 

ARTICLE VII – Amendments to the Bylaws

A.     These By-Laws may be amended or repealed, or new by-laws may be adopted by an affirmative vote of the membership entitled to vote, at the June general meeting, or at a special meeting called for that purpose, provided that written notice has been sent to each member entitled to receive such notice. The notice will state the amendments which are proposed to be made in the By-laws.

By Law Committee    Linda Giza Chair       Chuck Pixley Mike Liu