SUN CITY BIRD CLUB
BY-LAWS

Section A. The name of this Club shall be the Sun City Hilton Head Bird Club.

Section B. The purpose of the Club is to provide education for members in the field identification and behavior of local bird life. Emphasis is placed on, but not limited to, recognition of various species, habitat improvement and preservation.

Section C. These By-Laws willfully comply with the Association’s Governing Documents, and Chartered Club Rules and Procedures. In the event of a conflict between these By-Laws and the Documents, or Rules, The Documents or Rules will prevail.

Section D. This organization shall be operated as a Non-Profit Association in accordance with applicable statutes and the Association’s Documents.

Section A. Membership shall be open to all Association members in good standing without discrimination as to race, religion, color, ethnic culture, or national heritage. Members are required to present Member Activity Cards when joining the Club and at each membership renewal.

Section B. There shall be no precondition for Membership. Members cannot be required to join any national, state, or regionally affiliated organizations.

Section C. Guests may attend a maximum of two meetings as a Non-Member. Thereafter, a resident shall be required to become a dues-paying member. Guests may participate in field trips as long as they do not displace members.

Section D. Dues shall be paid annually for the calendar year, January 1 through December 31 as determined by the Executive Board. A special assessment may be charged to offset the honorarium of guest speakers for those members wishing to attend the event. Assessments may also be imposed to meet unanticipated expenses.

Section A. The Executive Board shall consist of, at a minimum, a President, Vice-President,

Immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, and two Members-At-Large. Any one member may not hold more than one position on the Executive Board. Additional members may be added to the Board as deemed necessary to fulfill the functions and meet the goals and objectives of the Club.

Section B. The Executive Board Members shall be elected by a vote of the general membership, shall serve without compensation and shall be considered the governing body of the Club. The newly elected Officers or appointed Officers, in case of a vacancy or a recall, shall within 14 business days, attest that they have read and understand and will abide by the Clubs By-Laws and the Association’s Chartered Club Rules and Procedures by signing the New Club Officer’s form CC50 and forwarding it to the Activities department.

Section C. Terms of Office and Responsibilities

The Officers will be elected at the December business meeting to serve for one year, beginning January 1 to December 31. The two Members-at-Large will serve non-concurrent terms for two years (I.e., one Member-at-Large will be elected each year). The immediate Past President will serve for one year. It must be noted that the President of the Executive Board is limited to two terms. Other Officers’ terms shall be determined by the Club’s membership.

Duties and Responsibilities

The officers shall each have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices.

Section D. Nomination and Election Procedures

A Nominating Committee consisting of no less than three (3) members shall be appointed by the President at the September membership meeting each year. The Nominating Committee shall present the proposed slate of Officers and Members-at-Large at the November membership meeting. Nominations may be made from the floor following the report from the Nominating Committee. Officers and Members-at-Large will be elected by a majority vote of those present at the December membership meeting. Voting will be by a show of hands unless a secret ballot is requested.

Section E. Executive Board Meeting Quorum Procedures

The Executive Board shall hold regular meetings or meetings at the discretion of any Member of the Board. A quorum shall consist of 51% of the Executive Board Members.

Section F. Executive Board Meeting Voting Procedures

Voting shall be by consensus unless a secret ballot is requested.

Section G. Vacancies of Officers

Interim appointments shall be made by the President or by the Vice-President in the absence of the President, to fill un-expired terms of office if the office becomes vacant.

Section H. Recall of Officers

An Officer shall be removed from office by a majority vote of the Membership. This vote shall be by ballot. Written notice shall be given to members at least two weeks prior to the special meeting called for such a purpose.

Section I. All Executive Board members, upon retiring from office, shall deliver all records, historical information and other property belonging to the Club to their successor.

Section A. Members are required to present Member Activity Cards. Guests are required to present Guest Activity Cards. The Club must maintain a guest list by date and provide a copy to the Activities department.

Section B. Types and Frequencies of Meetings

General Meetings shall be held the first Wednesday of the month. Field Trips will be scheduled. Special meetings may be called by the Executive Board. Special meetings require written notice to all members at least two weeks prior to the called meeting.

Section C. Procedures not covered by these By-Laws shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order (current edition).

Section D. Quorum

A quorum at a regular or special meeting shall consist of a minimum of 10% of the Clubs Members.

Section E. Voting Procedures

Unless otherwise stated in these By-Laws or in Robert’s Rules of Order, a majority vote, by show of hands, (unless a secret ballot is requested) shall be considered the will of the Club.

Section A. Financial Records shall be maintained for a period of seven (7) years. These records shall remain with the current Treasurer.

Section B. Non-budgeted items up to $25 may be approved by the Treasurer. Non-budgeted items over $25 and below $100 require approval by two Executive Board Members. Non-budgeted items over $100 must be approved by a majority of the general membership. Duel signatures are required on all checks over $500. Electronic payments require two signatures on invoices. All expenditures should be paid by check.

The Club Budget. All activities that involve financial transactions shall operate within the budget which shall be approved annually by the general membership, on or before the February General Meeting.

Section C. The Clubs financial records must be certified on an annual basis by an individual(s) other than those elected to the Executive Board or their immediate family. The results of the certification shall be presented to the general membership and duly recorded in the applicable minutes of the meeting at which presented.

Section D. The Treasurer shall have responsibility for Cash and Inventory Control. The financial records shall include:

Section A. Standing committees shall include Program, Trips/Outings, Web-Sites Management, The Audubon Christmas Bird Count and Nominating. The head and monitors of each Bird Trail shall also constitute committees. Additional standing committees shall be created as the Executive Board deems necessary to promote the objectives of the Club.

Section B. Committee Chairpersons may be appointed by the Executive Board

Section C. All committees shall have written mission statements assigned prior to committee appointment

Section A. Notice requirement and procedures.

Club members shall be notified of a meeting to amend the By-Laws in the same manner as is specified for a special meeting of the membership.

Section B. To amend the By-Laws of this Club requires a majority vote of the membership present at a meeting duly called for such a purpose, a quorum being present, and required notice being given. A complete revised copy of the By-Laws will be presented to the Club members and to the Community Association for approval.

Prior to Club dissolution, and after all debts are satisfied, all property and assets shall be documented and physically relinquished to the Community Association.

____________________________                  _____________________________
Name/Signature                                                 Name/Signature
FOR THE CLUB                                              FOR THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Date                                                                  Date