NOTE: The following Bylaws were revised during February 2003, they are current and in effect today.
Name Purpose Membership & Dues Officers Meetings Committees Duties of Officers Amendments Disciplinary Action Event Participation Exit Plan Scholarship
Article 1 – Name
The name of the organization shall be the SUN COAST CRUISERS
Article 2 – Purpose
The SUN COAST CRUISERS Car Club purpose shall be social in nature, in order to help fellow car enthusiasts, become better acquainted with each other and the automotive events around the area.
Article 3 – Membership and Dues
Section 1. Membership is open to persons interested in the automotive hobby and is not restricted by race, sex, or national origin. Eligibility for initial membership is open to adults 18 years of age and older. This membership allows the adults recorded on the membership application with the ability to each vote on club issues and officers. Children under the age of 18 are also included, however, they are not allowed voting privileges. Application for membership can be self-nominated or recommended by an existing member. All applications for membership will be returned to the Vice President for review by the Membership Committee.
Section 2. Annual dues shall be payable in advance of the beginning of the membership year, which starts in December 1 and ends on November 30 of the following year, or, when applying for membership. New membership applications that are received between September 1 and November 1 will have the normal membership fee reduced to $15.00. They will then be required to meet the financial obligation of $25.00 dues after December 1 for the coming year. Membership applications received between November 2 through November 30 will be required to pay the full $25.00 fee and will receive credit for the coming year membership fee. If membership is denied the full amount provided with the candidate’s application will be returned immediately.
Section 3. All moneys collected by the membership, including dues, collection for coffee, foods etc., and meeting room space, shall be spent only on behalf of the total membership. All satellite groups or private meetings will be expected to carry their own expenses.
Section 4. Membership will be terminated automatically for those members whose dues are not paid by January 31st. In order to rejoin members must still pay the full yearly dues.
Section 5. Members must abide by the rules of the road as determined by NC state, Federal, and local laws when attending any club function. Members are to preserve the reputation of the Sun Coast Cruisers.
Section 6. All new members will participate in a 60-day probationary period. If no issues or concerns are introduced to the “Executive Board” during the probationary period, no action is necessary, the probation will end, and the “probationary status” will automatically change to full membership. If any member presents an issue or concern to the “Executive Board” in writing during the 60-day probationary period, the ““Executive Board and Membership Committee” will take necessary action. The “Executive Board and Membership Committee” will review the material presented and if the concerns/issues are deemed to have merit, the issue could be discussed and voted on by the general membership without the candidate present.
Article 4 – Officers
Section 1. Officers shall be: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. They shall be identified as the Executive Board.
Section 2. Candidates for office will be nominated at the November meeting by the general membership and elected at the December meeting. The terms of office will be for one year beginning at the close of the December meeting, at which time all documents and club materials will be transferred to the new officers from the outgoing officers. The outgoing officer will assist when requested by the new officers during the next two months. Officers may succeed themselves if re-elected by the membership. The president cannot serve more than two years consecutively.
Section 3. The Executive board shall be the governing body of the club and consist of the elected officers.
Section 4. An annual Fiscal Year Budget of the club shall be prepared by the Executive Board and ratified by a majority of the membership present and voting at the January meeting.
Section 5. The Executive Board shall be the final authority in all matters pertaining to the interpretation of the Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 6. Any member of the Executive Board may be removed from office, provided a written notice is presented to the President or Vice President outlining the reason(s) and stating all known facts regarding the reason for removal. The President or Vice President will read the charges to the membership and ask for a discussion from the membership regarding the matter. The matter will then be voted on at the next meeting and will require a two-thirds majority vote of the membership to remove the officer.
Article 5 – Meetings
Section 1. Unless ordered by the Executive Board or by the General membership, regular meetings of the club will be held on the second Saturday of each month.
Section 2. Regular meetings will follow the following format:
Call to order Roll Call Treasurer’s report Reading of Previous meeting minutes Old Business New Business Activities Report Committee Reports Good & Welfare of Club Close
Section 3. . The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the club in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the Constitution and By-Laws of the club.
Article 6 – Standing Committees
Section 1. At the January meeting the Executive Board will appoint members to the following committees: Events Committee, Newsletter, Web Site, Membership, Fund Raising, Phone Committee, Sun Shine, Scholarship, Entertainment and Publicity. Additional committees as the Board deems necessary.
Article 7 – Duties of Officers
President
Presides at all regular and special club and Executive Board meeting Authenticates all legally binding actions of the club Appoints such special committees as are necessary in carrying out club programs Shall be empowered to sign checks in the Treasurer’s absence. Provides for an audit of books by appointing a committee of two people from the general membership. This shall be done at least one month prior to the expiration of the Treasurers term. To see that each member receives a current and updated copy of the Constitution and By-Laws
Vice President
Acts for the president in his/her absence or disability Serves as chairman of Membership Committee.
Secretary
Keeps minutes of all regular and Executive Board meetings Writes letters concerning Club business as directed by President or Executive Board.
Treasurer
Collects dues and fees at each Club meeting Has charge of all funds and bays bills upon approval by the executive board and or membership. Reports all receipts and expenditures at regular meetings Maintains a checking account in the club name and pays all bills of the club with checks from this account. Makes a written report of all receipts and expenditures to the club at the end of his/her term of office Formulates and presents an annual budget to be ratified by the general membership at the December meeting
Article 8 – Amendments
Section 1. The constitution and By-Laws may be revised or amended by a two thirds majority vote provided that the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing to the general membership at least one meeting before the meeting at which it will be voted on.
Article 9- Disciplinary Action
Any member may file written charges against another member for consideration by the membership. The written charges will be delivered to the president. The president will appoint three members from the general membership to review each case and report to the membership their findings and recommendation. The membership will discuss and vote upon each matter. Individuals involved in the charges will be allowed to address the membership before a final vote is taken. They may be removed from the meeting unless asked to stay by the president to address any questions from the floor. The decision of the membership is final. Each case will be resolved at the meeting following the charges or a maximum of 45 days.
Article 10- Event Participation
Vehicles participating in club events, cruises, and caravans are limited to vehicles 25 years and older. However, the membership committee has the authority to allow exceptions to the rule. Vehicles must follow strict safety guidelines when participating in club events such as cruising or shows. However motorcycles, scooters, and vehicles not meeting the classic, street rod, muscle car, or limited production vehicle definition will not be allowed to participate in these events.
Article 11- Exit plan
The designated charity(s) identified during the year the club ceases to exist will equally share in the disposition of club funds and assets, with the exception of the scholarship fund (which has a pre-defined exit plan). The “Board of Officers” of record will manage the final distribution.
Article 12: Scholarship
After the annual budget is ratified at the January meeting, ten percent (10%) of the budget will go to the Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund balance is not to exceed a total of $4,000.00.