Bylaws of the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club

(Revised February, 2007)

Section 1 Membership

Application - Applicants for membership shall fill out an application form furnished by the club. The form shall be submitted to the Membership Committee in order to judge the desirability of the candidate and make its recommendation to the Executive Committee.
Resignation - If at any time a member wishes to resign from the club, he or she shall give written notice to the Executive Committee.
1. There shall be no refund of dues.
2. All monies owed the club in the form of either dues or services shall be payable immediately.
3. Equity Bonds will be returned upon request within 2 years of resignation from the club.
Expulsion - A member may be dropped from membership for the following reasons:
1. Non-payment of dues, fees, or assessments.
2. Failure to participate in club work details.
3. Failure to attend at least one meeting during a period of one year.
4. Conduct unbecoming a member.
Expulsion is determined by the Executive Committee and is subject to appeal at the next membership meeting.
Limitations on Membership
1. The total number of regular and student memberships in the club shall not exceed 175. There shall be no limit on the other categories of membership. Whenever the total number of regular and student memberships is less than 175, such vacancies may be filled by the Executive Committee at its discretion from among the applicants for membership.
2. When club membership reaches 140 members, a membership quota is placed on pending applications such that membership is accepted on an 60/40 ratio of sanctioned fleet to non-sanctioned fleet owners. The Executive Committee determines sanctioned fleets by February 1st.
3. After July 15th, any pending applications will be addressed without regard to the 60/40 ratio in section 2.

Section 2 Club Officers and Duties

The Executive Committee shall be responsible for:
1. Preparing and submitting the Annual Budget to the membership for approval at the first regular meeting following the Annual Meeting. The budget shall consist of a balance sheet showing projected income and proposed expenditures. The annual budget must contain a cash flow reserve fund which cannot be used for other purposes without the approval of the membership.
2. Managing and conducting all club business within the approved annual budget.
3. Interpreting the Constitution and Bylaws and sanctioning club activities.
4. Reviewing club business prior to all membership meetings.
5. Approving the members of the standing committees by the first regular meeting following the Annual Meeting.
6. Acting on new membership applications within 30 days of presentation by the membership committee.
A quorum for all Executive Committee meetings shall consist of at least 5 members. A majority vote of those present shall decide issues brought before the committee.
Vacancies occurring during the term may be filled by the Executive Committee

Section 3 Standing Committees

Membership Committee - This committee shall receive all applications for membership. It will investigate the background and qualifications of the applicant and recommend either the acceptance or rejection to the Executive Committee at its next meeting. The Membership Committee will also maintain the club's membership roster.
Publicity Committee - This committee shall be responsible for publicizing club activities and publishing the club newsletter.
Social Committee - This committee will be responsible for social events.
Budget Committee - This committee will consist of not less than three members in addition to the treasurer. The duties of this committee shall be to advise the Executive Board concerning priorities for major expenditures and ways and means of meeting club expenses.
Long Range Planning Committee - This committee will also consist of not less than three members in addition to the treasurer. The duties of this committee shall be to assess the long range needs of the club, particularly in regard to capital expenses, develop a multi-year plan to meet these capital needs, and advise the Executive Board of possible ways to fund these capital needs. This committee shall update the Long Range Plan at least annually.
Nominating Committee - This committee is chaired by the immediate Past Commodore if available. The Past Commodore will appoint four other members of the committee no later than August 31st. The Nominating Committee shall present its proposed slate to the Executive Committee no later than the October meeting and to the membership at the Annual Meeting.
A Club Historian shall be appointed. The historian's duties shall be to gather and preserve items that pertain to the club.

Section 4 Dues, Fees and Assessments

Annual Dues - Annual Dues shall be in accordance with a Dues Schedule as recommended by the Executive Committee and approved by the membership at a membership meeting of the club. Dues are payable on or before April 15th for the ensuing year.
1. Members will be billed for Annual Dues (and fees and assessments, if applicable) by March 1st.
2. Members who have not renewed their membership by April 15th will be dropped from membership, unless specific arrangements have been made with the Executive Committee.
3. Dues of new members whose applications for membership are approved by the Executive Committee after August 15th shall be 50% of the annual amount.
Racing Fees - Each racing skipper, regardless of class of membership, may be charged a fee, as recommended by the Executive Committee and approved by the membership.
Work Assessments - Each member is expected to contribute their time to work parties and other activities of the club. The activities shall be determined by the Executive Committee at the start of the year.
The purchase of an Equity Bond in the amount of $300 shall be required of all members under the following terms:
1. Method of Purchase - Members will purchase the required bond by lump sum, due by April 15th of the year following the acceptance into the club, i.e. when their second year's dues would be payable.
2. Method of Repayment - Upon termination of regular membership for any reason and upon written request to the Treasurer within 2 years of resignation, a member will be repaid the full bond value.
3. Penalty for Non-payment - It is understood that the word "fees" as used in Section 1-C.1 of the Bylaws includes these bond payments.
4. The cost of such Equity Bonds must be approved by a quorum of the membership at a special meeting by a 2/3 vote of those present or represented by a proxy. The club's treasury shall always contain an amount equal to not less than 10% of the outstanding Equity Bond principal.

Section 5 Meetings

Order of Business - The Order of Business for the Annual Meeting shall be:
1. Call to order.
2. Reading of the minutes of the last membership meeting.
3. Reports of Officers
4. Reports of Committees
5. Action on any pending constitutional amendments.
6. Other business.
7. Election of officers and executive committee members
8. Adjournment.
Rules - The parliamentary authority for the club shall be Roberts Rules of Order, revised. With the exception of revisions to the constitution or bylaws, all matters brought to a vote shall be decided by a majority vote of those present.
Quorum - A quorum is required to transact business at all meetings.
Annual Meeting - The Annual Meeting shall be held on the first Sunday in December to begin no later than 7:30 PM for the purpose of electing officers of the club, and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the meeting. If the election of officers shall not be held on the day designated herein for any annual meeting, or any adjournments thereof, the officers shall cause the election to be held at a special meeting of the members as soon as convenient.

Section 6 Clubhouse and Grounds

Responsibility - The Vice Commodore is responsible for maintenance and appearance of the clubhouse and grounds. The Vice Commodore shall arrange for all housekeeping activities as required.
Clubhouse - The clubhouse shall be used for the benefit of all members, subject to guidelines adopted by the Executive Committee.
Boats, dinghies, tenders and trailers stored on the club grounds shall be placed in areas assigned by the Flag Lieutenant Grounds in such a way as to minimize interference with club activities.
Damage - Any club property or equipment damaged or broken by a member or their guest must be promptly reported to the Vice Commodore. Repairs or replacements must be made within a reasonable time to the satisfaction of the Vice Commodore or the member may be fined an amount equal to the value of the equipment as determined by the Executive Committee.

Section 7 Waterfront

Responsibility - The Rear Commodore is responsible for all waterfront equipment and arrangements.
Racks and Moorings - Rack and mooring locations shall be such as to permit free and unobstructed access to and from the dock and ramp. Location, materials and construction of racks and moorings are subject to the approval of the Rear Commodore. It is the responsibility of the rack or mooring owner to maintain their own equipment. The club is not responsible for installation, maintenance or removal of racks and moorings.
Power Boats - Only club-owned power boats are permitted to dock or moor in the club mooring area. Privately owned power boats are not to be used or left at the club. Auxiliary powered sailboats are not considered power boats. Club owned power boats are intended for use by the Race Committee in starting and supervising races, for rescue and patrol work and for work parties and shall be used as utility vessels only. They may not be used as transport, substitute dinghy or pleasure craft.

Section 8 Racing

Responsibility - A club member assigned by the Flag Lieutenant Race will have complete charge of each race, including course selection, postponement, starting and all other decisions pertinent to running the races. Races shall be conducted under club, class, and US Sailing rules in that order of precedence.
It shall be the sole responsibility of each yacht to decide whether or not to start or continue to race.

Section 9 Guests

Non-member boat owners may sail their boats at the club on two separate occasions during the season as guests of a member. Thereafter, non-members must join the club as a member to use the club facilities.
Invitational Events - Non-member boat owners may be invited to participate in Fleet or Club Regattas. Such participation shall not be considered within the limitations on visits.
Members Responsibility - To avoid overcrowding, members should limit the number of guests and the occasions on which guests are brought to the club, in accordance with the policies and guidelines established by the Executive Committee. Members are responsible for their guests' actions while visiting the club.

Section 10 Miscellaneous

Club Liability - The Club shall not be liable for loss or damage to members' boats, equipment, racks, or any personal belongings left or stored on club property.

Section 11 Amendment

Bylaws Revision - The Bylaws may be revised at any membership, annual, or special meeting by a 2/3 vote of those present or represented by proxy, providing that the proposed revision has been discussed at the previous general meeting and has been set forth in the notice of meeting.