Club Constitution and Bi-Laws

THE PLATTSBURGH ROD & GUN CLUB, INC.

Plattsburgh, NY 12901

 

                                                                 CONSTITUTION

  (Revised 2007, 2018)

 

May 2018

PREAMBLE

Desiring to perpetuate the best traditions of rod and gun clubs, to encourage a feeling of good will, to work with associations and mutual understanding among the sportsmen of the Plattsburgh Rod and Gun Club, Inc., Township of Plattsburgh, County of Clinton, New York, the Constitution and Bylaws are hereby published.

 

ARTICLE I

TITLE – NAME – OBJECTIVE

Section 1. This Organization will be known as the Plattsburgh Rod and Gun Club, Inc., of the Township of Plattsburgh, County of Clinton, New York.

Section 2. Applicable directives and the Constitution and By-Laws will govern all activities of the Plattsburgh Rod and Gun Club, Inc.

Section 3. The object of the organization shall be:           

  1. To promote shooting and angling.
  2. To install the importance of safety with firearms & bows at all times.
  3. To promote the proper observation and enforcement of the fish and game laws.
  4. To promote good fellowship among the members of the Club.
  5. To promote the practice of conservation.

 

ARTICLE II

ORGANIZATION – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. The Organization will be composed of Members as established in Article II, and in accordance with the objects of the Club as stated in Article I, Section 3.

Section 2. Membership Requirements            

  1. A member must have paid current dues to maintain an active status in the Organization. Any member in good standing may present the name or names of candidates for membership in the Club, and the annual dues must accompany any name.

b.   Adult Members will be eighteen (18) years or older and have paid annual dues to the club. Adult Members will share in any and all activities of this organization and will retain the right to vote and hold office.

  1. Family memberships will be available to a household as a family, they will share in any and all activities of the organization and will retain the right to vote and hold office. Boys and girls in the family ten (10) through twenty-one (21) years of age will not be required to pay annual membership dues until they reach twenty two (22) years of age or are no longer under the auspices of the family. Their names will be recorded with the Club. Individuals under the age of 18 may not vote or hold office.
  2. Junior membership will be available.  A junior membership will consist of boys and girls fourteen (14) through twenty-one (21) years of age who are sponsored by a club member in good standing. They will be eligible to all the privileges of this club, except that they may not vote or hold office until they turn eighteen (18) years of age.
  3. The Officers and the Board of Directors will vote on special memberships.
  4. The Board of Directors and Club Officers will have the right to reject any membership application.
  5. The amount of the yearly dues can be found in the Dues and Fee Structure section of the Club’s By Laws, this amount is subject to change by the Board of Directors.

     

Section 3. Club membership will be run on an annual basis, beginning and ending on October 1.

 

Section 4. Members must be able to prove membership in the Club when on Club grounds.

 

Section 5. It will be each member’s responsibility to notify a Club Officer of change of address or membership status.

 

Section 6. The Club will have the right to establish initiation fees for new members.

 

ARTICLE III

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS  - OFFICERS – COMMITTEES

 

Section 1. There will be a Board of Directors composed of not less than six (6) members and not more than nine (9) members.

 

Section 2. The Officers of the Club will be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Field Captain, and any such Officers as may be necessary for the efficient administration of the Club and as may be required by the laws of the State of New York.

 

Section 3. All committees, as needed, will be approved by the Board of Directors and organized by the President or Presiding Officer.

 

Section 4. In the event the Club elects to undertake any financial obligation, which requires guaranty signatures or co-signers, then, and for the duration of the obligation, those persons signing the agreements shall be assigned members of the Board of Directors.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Section 1. All officers shall be elected for a term of one (1) year at the October monthly meeting.

 

Section 2. Members of the Board of Directors shall be elected at the October monthly meeting. Term of office shall be for three (3) years.

 

Section 3. No member may hold an elected office unless the member has been an active member in good standing prior to nomination for at least six months. The Board of Directors has the option to waive the active membership status.

 

Section 4. All Officers and the Board of Directors will be elected by a voice or hand vote when the position is uncontested. Should there be more than one candidate for the same office a ballot system shall be used and the person receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected.

 

Section 5. The President or Presiding Officer will appoint a referee and one teller at the time of election who shall receive the votes, poll them, and announce the results.

 

Section 6. At the election of officers, the names of the elected parties will be read when uncontested. The number of votes when there are multiple candidates will be divulged and all ballots will be placed in a sealed envelope and be given to the Secretary to keep for one (1) year, at which time they will be destroyed.

 

Section 7. Officers and the Board of Directors will assume their duties at the close of the October meeting.

 

Section 8. Any Officer absent from three (3) consecutive regular meetings will forfeit the office unless excused by majority vote of the Officers and Board of Directors.

 

Section 9. Any member of the Board of Directors absent from three (3) consecutive Board of Directors’ meetings will forfeit the office, unless excused by a majority of the Officers and Board of Directors.

 

Section 10. Any vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors or Officers may be filled by a member selected by the Board of Directors, with final approval and appointment by the President to serve out the remainder of the year.

 

Section 11. Nine (9) active members or six (6) members of the Officers and/or Board of Directors being present will constitute a quorum for holding the annual scheduled election of officers and regularly scheduled meetings.

 

ARTICLE V

IMPEACHMENT OF OFFICERS

 

Section 1. An Officer or member of the Board of Directors, for abuse of authority or for misconduct in office, may be impeached and therefore be removed from office

 

Section 2.  A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Officers and Directors is required to impeach and Officer or Director

 

Section 3.  Any Officer or Director subject to a vote of impeachment shall be given Seven (7) days’ prior notice of the date and time of the impeachment a meeting and shall have the right to attend said meeting. 

 

Section 4.  The President, Vice President or Chairman of the Board may have the right to call such a meeting.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

PENALTIES

 

Section 1. A person making expenditures in the name of the Club without following the provisions set forth in the constitution and Bylaws shall be solely responsible for said expenditures.

 

Section 2.  Any Club member who fails to conduct oneself as a fit and worthy member of the Club, as determined by the Club, and does not abide by the provisions of the Constitution and By Laws, shall be subject to suspension and use of Club facilities or expulsion as may be determined by the Board of Officers. The suspension or expulsion may be appealed within seven (7) days by the member in question to the Board of Directors who will hear the facts of the case within thirty (30) days. The decision of the Board of Directors is final.

 

Section 3. Any member who loses, misplaces or damages Club property through negligence or carelessness will be solely responsible for the replacement cost of such items, such as keys, locks, tools and other items.

 

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Amendments to the Constitution

Amendments to the Constitution, or any part thereof, shall be submitted at any regular meeting in writing and signed by the member or members making the proposal. The proposal shall be filed with the Secretary. An additional signed copy of the proposal shall be furnished and posted in the clubhouse.

                

Section 1a.       

The proposal will be referred to a special committee approved by the Board of Directors and appointed by the President. The committee shall report at the next meeting and the proposal shall be voted on and become a part of the Constitution provided that fifty one (51%) percent of the active members present, with a minimum of 14 members required, vote in favor of the amendments at two (2) consecutive meetings.

 

Section 1b.

            An amendment may be rescinded by a fifty-one (51%) percent majority vote of the Board of Directors provided the vote takes place no later than three (3) months after approval of the amendment by the membership.

 

Section 2 . Amendments to the Bylaws

     Any rules affecting the governance and operation of the Plattsburgh Rod and Gun Club, Inc., and not in conflict with the Constitution, are known as Bylaws and are governing regulations. The Secretary will keep a record of all Bylaws.

                

ARTICLE VIII

 

DUES AND FEES

 

Section 1. All dues and fees will be those as established in the Bylaws and will be altered from time to time as required to meet Club needs and expenses.   All memberships shall begin on October 1st of each year.  Memberships purchased during the year will be prorated as determined by the Board of Directors.

  1. After two months past the anniversary month as established by the Club, the member’s dues are not paid, the member will be dropped from the membership rolls.
  2. If a person rejoins the Club, the person will be subject to all Articles and Bylaws affecting a new member and the anniversary month shall be the one established by the Club.

 

Section 2. Military and Homeland Security personnel temporarily away from the area through orders will continue to be members at no cost and remain in good standing until their return.

Section 3.  A list of current members will be kept updated and on file by the Membership Chair.  

 

ARTICLE IX

DISSOLUTION

If for some reason it is determined by the membership of the Club and Board of Directors, the Club will be dissolved. After all Club debts and financial obligations are paid, the remainder of the Club assets will be distributed to another active shooting club in Clinton County that the Board of Directors will choose by majority vote. If the Board determines that this is not practical or it is not in the Club’s best interest, the assets will be distrusted to the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association.

 

ARTICLE X

PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

 

The rules of order in the conduct of all meetings will be those specified by the Club in the Bylaws and in Robert’s Rules of Order, revised.

 

BY LAWS OF THE PLATTSBURGH ROD AND GUN CLUB

 

NAME:           Plattsburgh Rod & Gun Club, Inc.

LOCATION: 7450 Rte. 9 North, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

CONTACT: Peter Visconti, Esq. President

                 60 Oak St. Champlain, NY 12919

                  518-534-1730

WEBSITES:

           Listed http://www.plattsburghrodandgun.com/

           Facebook: www.facebook.com/PlattsburghRodandGunClub/

 

ORGANIZATION:

 

Board of Directors

                       Nine Members

Officers/Executive Committee

            President

            Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Field Captain

 

Committees

                       Federation Representative

                       House Committee

                       Membership

Grievance

Nominations

 

DUTIES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Section 1.

  1. The duties of the Board of Directors, in conjunction with the elected officers, is the governing body of the Club and shall determine all major policies and will be responsible for Club planning.
  2. The Presiding Officer and four (4) members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum of that body.
  3. The Club Officers present at the meetings of the Board of Directors shall have the right to vote.
  4. The Chairman may appoint a Board member to record the minutes of the directors’ meetings.
  5. The Board shall meet on a bi-annual basis or any time necessary as called by the Chairman of the Board, for the good of the Club.
  6. The Club President will be notified when the Board of Directors is to meet.
  7. Board members will be expected to acknowledge their receipt of a meeting notice to the President or a designated officer.

Section 2.

  1. There shall be one (1) member of the Board of Directors elected by that Board as Chairman for one (1) year to preside at all functions of that body.
  2. The Chairman of the Board, or designee, shall make an annual State of Affairs report to the membership at the January meeting.
  3.  The Board of Directors shall make an audit of books and records each six (6) months.

 

Section 3   At the first Board meeting of each calendar year the Board will fix the maximum amount of money that can be spent by the Club on single expenditures without receiving prior authorization by the Board.

 

  1. The Board must approve all expenditures over this set amount prior to the expenditure; except for the purchase of reasonable expenses pertaining to normal activities of the Club (such as Real Estate Taxes, Sales, Tax, Liability & Fire Insurance, and Utilities) and authorizations identified in the Constitution or Bylaws.

     

  2. The Board of Directors may be polled and vote to authorize expenditures via telephone or email for unforeseen financial situations. The outcome shall be confirmed and recorded at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

 

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

 

Section 1. The duties of the Officers will be those as prescribed by the Constitution and Bylaws and by the State of New York, wherever applicable.

 

Section 2. Duties of the President: the President will preside at all meetings of the Club and have general supervision of all affairs of the Club and appoint committees at the discretion of the Board of Directors when deemed necessary.

 

Section 3. Duties of the Vice President: in the absence of the President, the Vice President will preside at meetings of the Club and carry out duties in accordance with Section 2 above.

 

Section 4. Duties of the Secretary:

  1. The Secretary will keep written records of all transactions of the Club.
  2. Shall keep records of the Club Membership and shall report to the President on the condition of club affairs
  3. Will take care of such communications as the President shall direct and prepare such reports as the President and/or Board of Directors deem necessary.
  4. Will keep proper minutes of the Club.
  5. Will have the right to appoint an assistant, subject to the approval of the President, at any time the necessity arises.

 

Section 5.  Duties of the Treasurer:

a. The Treasurer will be custodian of all property and monies of the Club from whatever source derived.

b. Will present at each monthly meeting a written report on the financial status of the club these reports shall be kept on file for two (2) years. 

c. Will make a report of the financial status of the club to the President and/or Board of Directors as needed.

d. Will prepare and distribute an annual financial statement at the January meeting.

e. Will be authorized to pay normal operating expenses without having to wait for authority from the Board of Directors.

f. Will pay file any State and Local tax forms and prepare and pay the yearly NYS Sales tax.

g. Will keep on file the daily attendance/ collection reports for the club and  make detailed report on attendance delineating facility use based on activity, time, date and monies collected as needed and requested from time to time by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors or President of the club, the collection/attendance reports should be kept on file for two (2) years.

 

Section 6.  Duties of the Field Captain:

 

  1. The Field Captain will have general supervision of the shooting facilities.

b.    Will have the handling of all shoots held on the Club property and other such shooting activities as may be carried on.

c.   Will have full purchasing authority for ammunition, targets and material

   Required to keep the facilities in operation and in good condition; such expenditures shall be by purchase order only, authorized by the Treasurer or the Treasurer’s representative in the Treasurer’s absence, without having to wait for authority from the Board of Directors and consistent with 3b of the Duties of the Board of Directors. 

  1. Will present at the January meeting a report of activities for the past

                     Year, and such plans for the coming year for the approval of the

                     Membership.

e.   Will report to the President and/or Board of Directors at such time as requested by either.

f..    Will be directly responsible to the President and, in the absence of the President and Vice President, assume and exercise all duties of that office.

g..   May appoint Assistant Field Captains, one each to be responsible for the operation of rifle, pistol and archery respectively.

h.     Assistant Field Captains will not have the purchasing authority of the   Field Captain. They will have their schedule of events approved by the Field Captain and be directly responsible to the Field Captain.

 

STANDING COMMITTEES

 

Section 1. The Club President at the direction of the Board of Directors may appoint for one (1) year the following committee Chairmen as deemed necessary: Fish, Game, Hunter Safety and Publicity. The President will define their responsibilities and duties. Their respective Chairman, subject to the approval of the President, shall appoint the members of these committees.

 

Section 2. Clinton County Federation Delegate.

  1. The President may appoint a delegate for a term of one year to represent the Club at the Clinton County Federation of Fish and Game Club meetings.
  2. It is the duty of the delegate to bring forth reports of Federation meetings.
  3. It is the duty of the delegate to represent the Club according to the wishes and desires of the membership and in the best interests of the Club.

Section 3. House Committee

  1. The Club President with the approval of the Board of Directors, may appoint for a term of one (1) year a Chair of the House Committee.
  2.  The Chair of the House Committee, subject to the approval of the President, shall appoint members of the House Committee.

         1. Duties of the Committee include the care, maintenance and protection of all Club buildings and property.

         2.  The Committee is responsible for planning, purchasing for and operation of the kitchen, vending machines, rest rooms, meeting rooms and storage rooms and provide a monthly report related to expenditures and income.

     

Section 4. Grievance Committee. The Grievance Committee shall consist of three (3) members in good standing recommended by the President and approved by the Board of Directors, when a grievance is filed or an investigation is required.  The procedure shall be determined by the President and the grievance committee.

 

Section 5. Membership Committee

  1. The President in consultation with the Board of Directors will appoint a Membership Chair
  2. The Chair will maintain a record of all Club members with current addresses and email addresses

 

Section 6. Nominating Committee

  1.  The President in consultation with the Board of Directors will appoint a Nominating Committee to be made up of 3 active club members.
  2.  The nominating committee will assemble a list of qualified candidates that are interested in serving as officers or directors of the club anytime there is a vacancy or prior to the October election of officers.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Dues and Fees Structure

All fees are subject to change by the Board of Directors

(Membership shall run from Oct 1- September 30th) 

 

             Individual and family membership

             Year one $40,  $50 per year after first year

            

Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) Year one - $30, years

 Following $40

 

Active Military, Year 1 $30, following years $40

Free while deployed

 

Fishing only, $30 per year (May 1-_Oct 1)

Junior Membership $25

 

Guests

            All Members bringing guest/ guests pays $7 per guest.

Walk-in Range use,

Non guest $10. And must join full membership after three times

 

 New membership after May 1st through October 1 - $30

 

Yearly shooting Pass $200 Oct 1st - Oct 1st members does not pay a daily fee

Winter shooting pass, $150 Oct 15- April 15th member does not pay a daily fee

 

Definitions 

 

Family: all of those members of a family living in one household

 

Law Enforcements Officers (LEO): those officers of US Customs & Border Protection, Border Patrol, Corrections, State Trooper, County Sheriff, ICE, FBI, CIA, TSA

 

Active Military

                        Any person on active duty in the U.S. or abroad,  

           

HOURS OF OPERATION (Subject to Change)

 

            September 1- Jun 20th

 

Sunday

                         3-5pm Archery

                         6-8pm Pistol

Monday

                         3:30-5pm Rifle 

                         5:30-7:30pm SUNY Platt

Tuesday 

                         6-7:30 Rifle

Wed

                         4-5:30 Pistol

                         8-10pm Pistol

Thursday

                         6:30-7:30 Jr Rifle

                           (Starts Oct 15th)

Friday

                         7-9pm Pistol

Saturday

                         8-12   Pistol Permit course (2nd & 4th Saturdays) (subject to change)

                         8-3pm NRA Rifle Match  (1st Sat of Dec, Jan, Feb 3rd Sat of March) 

                                        (Subject to change)

                         12:30 Rifle & Pistol 

 

June 20th – September 1st

 

Sunday

                         3-5pm Archery

                         6-8pm Pistol

Tuesday 

                         6-7:30 Rifle

Wed

                         4-5:30 Pistol

                         8-10pm Pistol

Friday

                         7-9pm Pistol

Saturday

                         12:30 Rifle & Pistol 

 

MEETINGS

Board meetings are called by the Chair of the Board of Directors or the President as needed.

 

Regular meetings are held the second (2nd) Wednesday of each month of September, October, November,  January, March, April and May,  unless otherwise noted or cancelled by the president or other appropriate officer, after consultation with the Board of Directors.    Regular Meetings may also be cancelled in the case of inclement weather by the President after consultation of the Chairman of the Board of Directors.  

 

Meeting Order of Business

                  Call to Order

  1. Roll Call of officers and registration of members
  2. Reading of the minutes from previous meeting with addition and deletions as required
  3. Treasurer’s report
  4. Communications and bills
  5. Report of officers & committees
  6. Unfinished (old) business
  7. New business
  8. Election of officers, as required
  9. Adjournment

     

Unless other wise provided by the Executive Committee, the immediate past president will act as Parliamentarian.

 

AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

 

Section 1

Any rules affecting the government and operation of the Plattsburgh Rod and Gun Club, Inc. and not in conflict with the Constitution are known as Bylaws and are governing regulations. The Secretary will keep a record of all Bylaws.

Section 1a.

The proposed Bylaw will be submitted in writing and signed by the member or members making the proposal. The proposal shall be filed with the Secretary at any regular meeting and an additional signed copy of the proposal shall be furnished and posted in the clubhouse.

 

Section 1b.

 The proposed Bylaw will then be referred to a special committee appointed by the President at the direction of the Board of Directors for that particular amendment. The committee shall report at the next meeting and the proposal shall be voted upon and become part of the Bylaws provided that fifty-one (51%) percent of the active members present, a minimum of 14 members required,  vote in favor of the proposal at two (2) consecutive meetings.

 

Section 1c.

Bylaws will be numbered in the order in which they are adopted. A copy of all Bylaws will be permanently posted on the club bulletin board. Any amendment to the Bylaws must be posted within thirty (30) days.

 

Section 1d.

Bylaws may be amended or rescinded when an amendment or revision is made in accordance with Section 1a & 1b above.

 

Section 1e.

A Bylaw may be rescinded by a fifty-one (51%) percent majority vote of the Board of Directors, provided the vote takes place no more than three (3) months after approval of the Bylaw by the membership.

 

PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

 

The rules of order in the conduct of all meetings shall be those specified by the Club in the Bylaws and in Robert’s Rules of Order, revised.

 

Revised May, 2018