Menifee Valley Flyers

BYLAWS

MenifeeValley Flyers Radio Control Model Club #1717

ARTICLE I    NAME

A. Name and Location

The Menifee Valley Flyers Radio Control Model Club #1717 shall be known and referred to as "Menifee Valley Flyers (MVF)". This Club is located in Sun City, California. Mailing address: 26754 Tropicana Drive, Sun City, CA 92585.

B. Definitions

AMA: Academy of Model Aeronautics.
MVF: Menifee Valley Flyers.
GM: General Meeting.

Family Membership: Shall consist of husband, wife and all of the children up to and including seventeen (17) years of age. Upon reaching eighteen years of age, the person must join as a regular member.

Golden Membership: This is a regular member who can no longer be active due to health or a handicap that prevents them from flying without assistance (Especially Senior Citizens).

Snow Bird Membership: This is a membership given to members who are active in the club during the winter months only.

Youth Membership: This membership applies to all youth under 18 years of age who are active flyers.

General Meeting: Monthly Club meeting.

Executive Session: Meeting of Officers only.

Board Meeting: Meeting of Officers and Board Members.

ARTICLE II    PURPOSE

A. Mission Statement

Menifee Valley Flyers promotes an atmosphere for safe enjoyable building and flying of all types of model aircraft. The Club, chartered by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), provides a quality flying site and meeting room for its members.

ARTICLE II    PURPOSE (Cont.)

Mission Statement (Cont.)

The Officers and Board of Directors promote safety, training, field management and encourage social events to enhance friendships that meet or exceeds member's expectations.

ARTICLE III    MEMBERSHIP

1. The number of Club memberships (Other than Special Memberships) shall be established by a simple majority vote using the notification and voting process per Article X of these Bylaws. Prospective members can elect to be placed on a waiting list if the roster is full. The Club membership quantity shall be listed in the Club's General Rules Book. (The quantity does not require a Bylaw change).

A. Qualifications

Prospective members must be sponsored and introduced by an Active Member of the Club. Prospective Members must attend one meeting before becoming members. A simple majority vote of the members present at the meeting shall approve any application for membership.

Prospective members can not vote at the General Meeting and may not bring guests to fly at the field.

New Members shall pay all Club initiation fees, dues, and present proof they are current members of AMA.

The Treasurer shall provide new members with a copy of the Club Operating Manual containing a current Club Roster, Field Rules and Bylaws.

Family Membership: One family member shall be a regular paid member of the club. This member will also be a current member of the AMA in good standing. Although there is only one dues paid, a husband and wife are to be considered equal members in the Club, and accorded the full privileges of membership.

Any individual member of the club must also be a current member of the AMA in good standing.

*Honorary Member: This is a Club member so selected by the General Membership for this Honor. All benefits, rules and responsibilities of Club membership apply, except they cannot vote, hold office, or be a Board Member. They are selected for this honor by a simple majority vote of the members present at a General Meeting.

ARTICLE III     MEMBERSHIP (Cont.)

*Golden Member: This person was a regular member, who due to health or a handicap can no longer fly without assistance. This member must request this membership in writing to the President. The President shall forward the letter to the Board of Directors for approval. The request will then be presented to the members for vote at the next Regular Meeting. This membership shall be the same as a regular member but pay less dues.

*Snowbird Member: This is a membership given to persons that come to our area from out of state only in the winter months, October through March. This membership is considered a regular member but pay less dues.

*Youth Member: This applies to all flyers under eighteen years of age. Youth members coming up through a Family Membership do not have to pay additional dues. Youths joining the Club for the first time shall pay dues but less than a regular membership.

*Honorary, Golden, Snow Bird and Youth membership, shall be excluded from the Club membership quota.

B. Dues and Assessments

Initiation Fees

Initiation fees shall be paid once as long as a member stays current on their annual dues. If a member fails to renew their annual dues on time, he / she will have to pay another initiation fee, the same as a new member. Initiation fees are not returnable for any reason, and are established by a simple majority vote of the membership at a general membership meeting (see below for procedure).

Annual Dues

Annual dues shall be reviewed each October by the Board to determine if dues should be raised or lowered for the coming year. A two thirds (2/3) majority vote by Board Members is needed to change Club dues. This action shall be presented at the next General Meeting of the members. Members not in attendance shall be notified of the proposed change either by mail or Email. A simple majority vote shall be taken at the next General Meeting following the mailing.

Annual dues are paid in advance. They shall be due and payable by the thirty first of December. There will be a one month grace period, (January), after which another initiation fee will be assessed. Renewals by mail must include a copy of current AMA membership.

ARTICLE III    MEMBERSHIP (Cont.)

Assessments:

Assessments may be required for such things as field rent / lease, field improvements etc. Assessments shall be decided by the Board and approved by a simple majority vote of the members.

Assessments are not returnable. Members failing to pay for assessments will be removed from the Club's membership. Any portion of the present year's dues will be prorated and returned to them. Any member removed from the Club's membership for non-payment of assessments will not be allowed to rejoin the following year unless they pay the assessments for the previous year in which they were removed from membership.

New member's field assessments will be prorated the same as the yearly dues.

C. Resolution of Grievances (Safety Rules)

When a complaint can not be handled informally, the complaint should be referred to the Safety Officer using Grievance Form MVF 001. At least one witness must sign the Form.

The Safety Officer will present the complaint to the Board of Directors for action within seven days (7).

1. First Violation
   1. View points of both complainants and accused will be considered.
   2. Complainants names will be disclosed.
   3. A verbal reprimand will be given to the accused and so noted in the meeting minutes.
2. Second Violation
   1. Complainants name will be disclosed.
   2. The accused has a right to a written rebuttal, to be reviewed by the Board.
   3. If the Board so decides, the flying privileges of the accused will be suspended for thirty (30) days. Written notice of this shall be issued to the complainant and a copy published in the Club's news letter.
3. Third Violation
   1. The Board will notify the accused in writing, and the Club members via the newsletter that the Club will vote on the expulsion of the accused at the next General Meeting.
   2. Said expulsion will last for one year minimum. (Longer if the Board of Directors deems it necessary).

ARTICLE III    MEMBERSHIP (Cont.)

1. Third Violation (Cont.)
   1. A member may be expelled from the Club only upon two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the membership present at the meeting.
   2. Voting will be by secret ballot at a General Membership Meeting.
   3. The three actions will not be enforced unless they are accumulated within a Two-year period of time.
   4. Any member receiving a grievance, who directs any retaliation action against the person filing said grievance, will be subject to immediate expulsion from the Club. This is to include threats, intimidation, physical harm, intentional equipment damage, or any other action deemed to be retaliatory by the Board of Directors.
   5. Any member who is expelled from membership may be reinstated to membership only be two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Directors.
   6. The Board of Directors shall have the discretionary authority to provide for and to impose disciplinary action for such acts or emissions, which do not justify expulsion from membership.

ARTICLE IV    OFFICERS

A. Responsibility / Duties

There shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. They must be current AMA members.

There shall be a Board of Directors consisting of five or more members selected by the President and Vice President.

President

1. Will preside at all General Meetings.
2. Will call and preside at all Board Meetings or Executive Sessions.
3. Will represent the Club at all times.
4. Will carry out the directives of the Club as decided upon in General Membership Meetings.
5. Will present Board of Directors' decisions at the next General Meeting following the Board meeting.

Vice President

1. Will act on behalf of the President in the absence of the President or at his / her request.
2. Will act as the Club mediator in all matters.

ARTICLE IV    OFFICERS (Cont.)

1. Will assist the Treasurer in auditing the financial records of the Club for an annual report.

Secretary

1. Will take the minutes of all meetings and supply a copy to the President, Vice President, and newsletter editor.
2. Will insure that a meeting place is available to conduct the monthly Club meetings.
3. In the event that both the President and Vice President's offices are vacated at the same time for any reason, the Secretary will conduct elections at the next meeting.

Treasurer

1. Will establish a checking account with a local bank or savings and loan office for all monies received.
2. Will present the Club's financial statement at every General Meeting.
3. Will present the Club's financial statement at a Board meeting, if requested in advance by the President.
4. Will present a summary of the Club's annual financial activities at the December General Meeting.

Board of Directors

1. Will represent the General Membership in all Club matters at the Board Meetings.
2. Will meet at the request of the President.
3. Will assist, and offer guidance to the President and Vice President.
4. Will act as an investigation committee for Article XI.

B. Term of Office

1. January 1 to December 31 of year following election.
   1. President's term is one year. He / she can be re-elected once as President, after that, there must be one year out-of-office as President. Less than a year as President will still count as a full term.
   2. Vice President is one year. He / she may serve no more than three consecutive terms. Less than a year in office will still count as full term.
   3. Secretary, there is no limit on terms in office.
   4. Treasurer, there is no limit on terms in office.
   5. Board of Directors serve at the discretion of the President and Vice President.

ARTICLE IV    OFFICERS (Cont.)

Note: The President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer can not serve as officers in any other model aircraft Club. To do so will be cause for immediate removal from office.

C. Appointed Officers

The President or Vice President may appoint Officers for special duties when needed. These Officers may also be known as Chairpersons.

D. Financial Arrangements

Disbursement of moneys:

The Treasurer shall disburse all moneys as directed by approved motions of the General Membership. Exception: The Treasurer can disburse up to $300 dollars a month under the direction of the President, for incidental expenses necessary for Club operation, not to include field and meeting room rent or lease.

All moneys will be disbursed by check which requires the following:
Two signatures by any of the following officers.

1. President and Treasurer;
2. Vice President and Treasurer;
3. President and Vice President, if office of Treasurer is vacant.

E. Vacancies

Vacancies for any reason of current term of Officers and Board of Directors shall be refilled as soon as possible.

President will be replaced by the Vice President. The new President will select a new Vice President to serve until the next regular election.

Vice President will be selected by the President to serve until the next regular election.

Note: If both the President and Vice President vacate office at the same time, they will be replaced at the next General Meeting by election of those members present at that meeting. They will serve until the next regular election in December.

Secretary: A new Secretary will be selected by the President to serve until the next regular election.

Treasurer: A new Treasurer will be selected by the President to serve until the next regular election.

ARTICLE IV    OFFICERS (Cont.)

Board of Directors: A new Board Member will be selected by the President and Vice President to serve during the President's time in office.

ARTICLE V    MEETINGS

Membership Meetings

1. Shall be held once a month.
2. The minutes of the last meeting shall be read and accepted.
3. An up to date financial record shall be read and accepted.
4. The total membership shall be notified by mail or Email, at least two weeks in advance, of any change in time, date or place of the meeting.

Board of Directors Meeting

1. Shall be called by the President or Vice President.
2. The Officer calling for the meeting will arrange for the time, date, and meeting place.
3. There must be a quorum of Directors present, for any action to be voted on, or taken.
4. The Officer calling the meeting shall act as Secretary.
5. Each Board Member, including the Vice President shall have one vote, except for Item g below. The President shall vote only in case of a tie.
6. In case of a disciplinary investigation, the Board member, receiving the complaint, will arrange the time, date, and meeting place.
7. Any time the Board of Directors is meeting for a disciplinary investigation, the President and Vice President will not attend, unless they are invited. Their attendance does not include the right to vote.

ARTICLE VI    RECORD KEEPING

All records, other than the minutes of meetings, shall have the Master given to the Secretary for filing. These records shall list at the bottom of the form, a form number, name of data processor, date / revision and in who's computer they are stored.

Example:

WORD-KALFELL

REV. 03-03-03

Form # XXX

ARTICLE VII    COMMITTEES

A. Standing Committee

Standing Committees shall be appointed by the President or Vice President.

B. Special Committees

1. Committee for field maintenance.
2. Committee for our Fun Flies.
3. Committee for Bylaws review.
4. Committee for membership.

C. Committee Membership

Committee memberships are made up of Club members volunteering and / or appointed by the President or Vice President as a need arises.

ARTICLE VIII    NOMINATIONS, ELECTIONS, AND RECALL

A. Nominations

Nominations for Club Officers shall be accomplished during the October General Meeting.

B. Elections

Election of Officers shall be held during the November General Meeting.
The new Officers will be elected by a simple majority vote of the members present.

The passing of the President's gavel shall take place during the annual Holiday dinner held in December.

C. Recall of Officers

This Club has no automatic recall. All disciplinary matters must be taken by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IX    MISCELLANIOUS PROVISIONS

A. Roberts Rules

Roberts Rules shall be used as a guide when conducting meetings.

B. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year for this club shall be January 1 st through December 31 st.

C. Newsletter Mailing

The editor of the Menifee Valley Flyers shall send the Club's newsletter by Email to all members having an Email address, and by regular mail for all others.

NOTE:

The monthly newsletter must be received by the members prior to the next General Meeting.

D. Transfer of Records

The transferring of all records shall be accomplished during the January Board of Directors Meeting.

The President shall appoint a member, who is familiar with computers, to store all diskettes containing all the Club's records and forms. When a document is originated or updated, this disk should also be updated.

E. Suspension of Bylaws

A Bylaw may be suspended at a General or Special General Membership meeting, providing the following conditions are met:

1. A proposed suspension must be submitted at a General or Special General Membership meeting.
   The Secretary will put the proposal in writing to the President / Vice President if approved by a simple majority vote.
2. When the proposed suspension is submitted to the President / Vice President in writing, they will call a Board of Directors meeting to discuss the proposed suspension. This will be done before the next General Meeting or Special General Meeting.
3. At the next General Meeting or Special General Meeting the proposal will be handed out to all members present. Any member not present will be mailed or emailed a copy no later than seven days following this meeting.
4. At the next General or Special General Membership Meeting, the proposed suspension will be voted upon. Approval requires two thirds vote in favor by all members present.

F. Use of Club Mark and Logo

The Club logo and Club Mark may only be used for official Club business such as the newsletter, Awards or other miscellaneous items.

G. Standing Rules

All standing rules must be approved by a majority vote during a General Meeting.

Governing rules of this Club shall consist of our Bylaws, General Rules, Field Rules and AMA requirements.

H. Dissolution of Club

In the event the membership falls below five persons paying dues, the Club will be disbanded and the treasury disbursed as follows in order listed.

• All club debts will be paid.
• All current members will be refunded their annual dues and assessments for the current year.
• Any remaining moneys will be contributed to a local charity in the Club's name. The charity will be picked by the remaining members.
• The President and Secretary shall give the County of Riverside thirty days (30) written notice of the Club's dissolution, per the lease contract.

ARTICLE X    AMMENDMENT TO THESE BYLAWS

Proposed Bylaw Change

These Bylaws may be amended at a General or Special General Membership meeting, providing the following conditions are met:

1. A proposed amendment may be submitted at a General or Special General Membership meeting. The Secretary will put the proposal in writing to the President / Vice President if approved by a simple majority vote.
2. After the proposed amendment has been submitted to the President / Vice President in writing, they will convene a Board of Directors meeting to discuss the amendment.
   This will be done before the next General Meeting or Special General Membership meeting.
3. At the next General Meeting or Special General Membership Meeting the proposal will be handed out to all members present. Any member not present will be mailed or emailed a copy.

Balloting

Balloting will be done on the proposed amendment at a Special General Membership Meeting or the next General Meeting.

B. Approval

Approval requires a two-thirds vote in favor by all members present at the General meeting.

ARTICLE XI    GRIEVIANCE PROCEDURE

Disciplinary action consists of the following:

1. Removal from office.
2. Removal from Club membership.

Causes for disciplinary action

1. Violation of Bylaws or General Rules.
2. Violation of Club safety rules or field rules.
3. Violation of AMA rules.
4. Violation of Federal, State, County, and City laws.
5. Conduct unbecoming a member of this Club.
6. Failure to maintain current AMA membership.
7. Serving as an officer in another model flying club.

Action to be taken

1. The alleged violation must be brought to the attention of the Board of Directors, using Form # MVF 001, within seven days of the occurrence.
2. The Board of Directors must investigate fully and decide if further action is called for.
   1. This preliminary investigation must be concluded within seven days of being notified of the alleged violation. At that time the Board of Directors will arrange a meeting with the alleged violator, and the person / persons making the complaint. This meeting between all parties must be held. At the end of this meeting the Board of Directors must make a decision and present it to the parties involved. Their decision is final.
   2. In this case the Board of Directors acts independently of the President and Vice President.

Options available to the Board of Directors at the conclusion of the final meeting.

1. Dismiss the complaint.
2. Written reprimand.
3. Suspension of flying privileges for a specified time.
   
   Note: A member may be suspended of flying privileges two times in a calendar year. After that, he / she will be removed from Club membership for a period of one year.
   
   The following actions will require presentation to the membership at a General or Special General Meeting for a simple majority vote.
4. Removal from office, if an officer is involved.
5. Removal from Club.