THE SUBSCRIBERS TO THIS CONSTITUTION wishing to secure for ourselves the social pleasures and benefits of a formal organization commonly interested in Amateur Radio, do hereby constitute ourselves as the PALMETTO AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, in and for Broward and Dade Counties in the State of Florida.  FURTHERMORE, we the members of THE PALMETTO AMATEUR RADIO CLUB do hereby enact and empower this “Constitution” as our governing law.
 
Any item of business, or matters, not specifically addressed or abridged by this “Constitution” maybe proposed for  consideration  during any “Regular Meeting” or “Special Meeting” of the “Club”.  By this authority, the “Club” shall enact “Standing Rules” in support of  all “Club” activities. 
 
A true and correct copy of this “Constitution” and any and all “Standing Rules” established in accordance with this “Constitution” shall be available to the membership at all “Club” meetings.

The “Club” Name shall be  the “Palmetto Amateur Radio Club”

The purpose and objectives of the “Club” shall be to promote the general cooperation and furthering the efficiency of operation among all Amateur Radio Operators and/or Amateur Radio Stations on all amateur radio frequencies.

The PALMETTO AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, herein after referred to as the “Club”, shall install, operate and maintain one or more Repeater Stations and may install, operate and maintain, any other type of Radio Stations deemed appropriate by the FCC (or it’s successor organization) for the Amateur Radio Service.
 
The “Club” shall also conduct programs and activities to advance the interest and welfare of the Amateur Radio Service in the South Florida area.

When called upon, the “Club” shall provide communication with and for the American Red Cross, and/or other emergency response groups, in the event of disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods.
 
The “Club” shall maintain membership in good standing in the American Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL).
 
The “Club” shall also maintain appropriate insurance coverage for its Radio Equipment and maintain the appropriate insurance coverage to indemnify the membership from any claim or claims that may result from any action, program, or event sponsored by the “Club”.
 
The “Club” shall secure and maintain a “Club” “Call Sign” from the appropriate authority. This “Call Sign” shall be used during any “Club” event where radio transmissions are required.  The “Club” shall maintain an active “Web Page” to ensure that any “Club” member, or interested members of the Amateur Radio Community have up to date information regarding all “Club” activities.

Members of the “Club” are expected to be of good moral character and to conduct themselves in a manner that will bring honor and respect to the “Amateur Radio Community”.  It is strongly recommended, but not specifically required, that all members of the “Club” maintain membership in the ARRL (American Amateur Radio Relay League).

The membership of the “Club” shall consist of the following classes:
 
                                            Regular Members
                                            Associate Family Members
                                            Special Status Members”  (Life – Charter – Honorary) 

REGULAR MEMBERS:  The class as herein defined as “Regular Members” of the “Club” shall consist of Amateur Radio Operators who hold and maintain a valid Amateur Radio License granted by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC or it’s successor organization). “Regular Member” status shall be maintained as long as the “Regular Member” complies with all of the Articles of this Constitution.
 
ASSOCIATE FAMILY MEMBERS:  A class as herein defined as “Associate Family Members” shall be automatically granted to the “immediate” family members  of a “Regular Member”. “Associate Family Membership” is herein after referred to as
“Associate Member”.  An “Associate Member” shall have all the rights and privileges of a “Regular Member”,  but shall not have any voting rights at “Regular” or “Special” “Club” meetings.  “Associate Members” are not subject to any dues requirements or assessments contained in this Constitution.  “Associate Members” are not required to maintain an Amateur Radio License, however they must comply with all other Articles of this “Constitution”.  A member with “Associate Member” status may convert to “Regular Member” status upon attaining an appropriate Amateur Radio Operator License and remitting the appropriate dues to the Treasurer of the “Club”.  An acceptance vote shall not be required for this action.

“Life Membership” status shall be automatically granted to any “Regular Member” of the “Club” who has maintained that status for an uninterrupted period of 25 years or more.  “Club” members who are granted “Life Membership” status shall have all of the rights and privileges of a “Regular Member” including voting rights, but are not subject to or required to remit the “Annual Dues” established in accordance with this “Constitution”.  They shall be responsible for any assessments in support of the “Club”.
 
“Life Membership” status may be purchased by  any “Regular Member” who submits a single payment equal to 25 times the regular dues at the time of application.  A “Regular Member” who elects to convert his or her membership status to a “Life Member” shall be credited “on a year for a year basis” for the number of years they have maintained uninterrupted  “Regular Member” status.

In this example a “Regular Member” with 5 years of creditable membership wishes to secure a “Life Membership”.  The formula for calculating the fee for the conversion to “Life Membership” status is based on the requirements as specified in Article 3, Section 1. - (25 years minus 5 years uninterrupted “Regular Membership” equals 20 years)  In this case the “Regular Member” shall submit a payment equal to 20 times the annual dues in effect at the time the “Life Membership” status is requested.  For the purposes of this calculation, any interruption  in “Regular Member” status makes any year or years prior to the interruption in “Club” membership ineligible for credit. An acceptance vote shall not be required for this action.

“Charter Membership” status shall be automatically granted to the Original or Founding  members of the “Palmetto Amateur Radio Club” who held any membership status prior to the year 1985.  “Charter Members” shall have all of the rights and privileges of a “Regular Member” including voting rights, but are not subject to “Annual Dues” or “Assessments” established in accordance with this Constitution.

“Honorary Membership” status may be granted to any individual, or group of individuals who by their deeds or actions,  support the “Palmetto Amateur Radio Club”.  “Honorary Membership” may also be granted to any individual or group of individuals who support the Amateur Radio Community.   “Honorary Members” shall have all the rights and privileges of a “Regular Member”,  but shall not have any voting rights.  “Honorary Members” are not subject to any dues requirements or assessments contained in this “Constitution”.  “Honorary Members” are not  required to maintain an Amateur Radio License, however they must comply with all other articles of this “Constitution”.  “Honorary Membership” status may be granted by an action of the “Executive Board” and shall not require any action of the general membership of the “Club”.

Individuals seeking membership in the “Club” shall first submit an application or petition  for membership.  The application or petition for membership shall contain all information necessary for the proper and accurate maintenance of “Club” records. The individual seeking membership in the “Club” must remit an amount equal to the “Annual Dues”, in effect at the time the application or petition is submitted, before the application or petition can be considered by the membership.  The application or petition shall to be supported by at least two existing “Club” members and may be placed on the floor for consideration during a “Regular Meeting” or “Special Meeting” of the “Club”.   An Affirmative (YES) vote representing a clear majority (50 percent plus 1) of the members present who cast a “Ballot” during the “Club Meeting” is required for the acceptance of the proposed new member or members.  Should a prospective member be rejected for membership in the “Club”, their remittance, application, and/or petition shall be returned immediately after the failed election.

Any “Club” member may request the reconsideration of a failed application or petition during a “Regular Meeting” or “Special Meeting” of the “Club”.  Any
requests for reconsideration shall be placed on the following month’s “Regular Meeting” agenda, and require an Affirmative (YES) vote of  a “Super Majority” (2/3) of the members present at who cast a “Ballot”.

Membership in the “Club” may be terminated for “JUST CAUSE” upon proper motion by an Affirmative (YES) vote of a “Super Majority” (2/3) of the members present at a “Regular Meeting” or “Special Meeting” who cast a “Ballot” following the meeting where the charges are brought.  “Just Cause” is herein defined as any action or actions taken by any member of the Palmetto Amateur Radio Club in violation or disregard of any Article contained in this “Constitution”.  An individual whose membership has been terminated for “Just Cause” is not eligible to apply for reinstatement or new membership for a period of not less than 3 years from the date of the action.  Any such membership application is subject to the provisions of Article  3 Section 2 of this “Constitution”.

Members are required to pay annual dues in financial support of “Club” activities. The “Annual Dues” are  $25.00 per year and may be changed by proper motion at
any “Regular Meeting” of the “Club” followed by an Affirmative (Yes) vote of a clear “Super Majority” (2/3) of the members present who cast a “Ballot”.   “Annual Dues” are payable by October 1^st of each year.
 
The “Annual Dues” requirement can be waived or modified for a “specific period of time” for any individual or group of individuals by proper motion at any “Regular Meeting” of the “Club”.  This action requires an Affirmative (Yes) vote of a clear “Super Majority” (2/3) of the members present who cast a “Ballot”.  The aforementioned “specified period of time” shall be limited to a maximum of 3 years.  At the expiration of  the specified waiver period, the members or group of members represented in the original action shall be subject to the “Annual Dues” requirements as specified in this “Constitution”.  This waiver does not apply to any assessments which  may be necessary to support the financial activity of the “Club” during the waiver period. 
 

Individuals whose membership status has been terminated for “Nonpayment of Dues” after January 1^st of the following year must reapply for membership and is subject to the provisions of Article 3 Section 2 of the “Constitution”.
 
 “Assessments” although extremely unusual may be required at times to ensure the financial integrity of the “Club”.  A motion for an “Assessment” may be made at any “Regular Meeting” of the “Club” followed by an Affirmative (Yes) vote of a clear majority (50 percent plus 1) of the members present who cast a “Ballot”.
 
All “Regular Members” and all “Life Members” shall be required to remit payment of the “Assessment” within 60 calendar days of the approve action. Membership shall be automatically terminated if any members in the aforementioned classes fail to remit the approved “Assessment” within this prescribed time period.  If membership is terminated for “Nonpayment of an Assessment” after the prescribed 60 calendar day period, but not more than 90 calendar days after the action for the assessment is approved, the  individual can be reinstated without loss of tenure by remitting an amount equal to the “Assessment” in full and pay a fine of $10.00.  This action can be granted by an action of the “Executive Board” and shall not require any action of the general membership of the “Club”.  Individuals whose membership has been terminated for “Nonpayment of Assessments” after 90 days must  reapply for  membership and are  subject to the provisions of  Article 3 Section 2.

If any member wishes to withdraw and terminate their membership in the “Club” and be in good standing, they must submit a letter to the Secretary of the “Club” at, before, or during a “Regular Meeting” of the Club.  Having withdrawn from the “Club”, individuals wishing to rejoin the “Club” are subject to the provisions of Article 3 Section 2 and must reapply as a new member.
 
Any member who fails to submit their “Resignation” as specified in this Article shall not be considered to have terminated their membership in good standing.  Should the individual wish to rejoin the “Club”,  they shall be subject to the provisions of Article 3, Sections 2 and 4 of this “Constitution”.   When considering the individuals application or petition for membership, the provisions of Article 3, Section 4 may be waived by proper motion.  This action shall require an Affirmative (Yes) vote of a clear “Super Majority” (2/3) of the members present who cast a “Ballot”.

The “Club Officers” shall consist of the President, the Vice President,  the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Director.  These “Club Officers” shall constitute the membership of the “Executive Board” of the “Club”.

Nominations for all “Club Officers” shall take place during the October and November “Regular Meetings” of the “Club”.  A proposed slate of “Club Officers” shall be prepared by the “Nominations and Eligibility Committee” and brought to the October meeting and placed in “Nomination for Office” by proper motion by the “Committee” chair.

Nominations can be made from the floor at the October meeting and shall be reviewed by the “Nominations and Eligibility Committee” to insure appropriate eligibility.  Nominations made from the floor at the November meeting must reviewed by the “Nominations and Eligibility Committee” prior to the called election.  If more than two (2) candidates are nominated for a single office, a “Run Off” election must be completed before a vote can be taken for “Election to Office”.

Only  “Regular Members”, “Life Members”, or “Charter Members”,  shall be eligible to hold office. “Associate Members” and “Honorary Members” are not eligible for office.
 
As a prerequisite for consideration for any position as a “Club Officer”, eligible candidates must have been a member in good standing in one of the eligible membership classes for the immediate period of one year prior to their nomination. Eligible candidates must have also attended at least 9 of the twelve previous “Regular Club Meetings” and attended the “Club’s Field Day” event and/or other social events.   

Officers shall be elected by a clear Affirmative (Yes) vote of the majority (50 percent plus 1) of the members present who cast a “Ballot” at the November meeting or other meetings as specified by this “Constitution”.  Individuals elected as “Club Officers” at the November “Club Meeting” shall assume their respective positions at the December “Club Meeting”.  Members elected to fill vacancies shall take their respective office in accordance with Article 4, Section 5 of this “Constitution”.

“Club Officers” shall serve for a period of one year and there is no limit as to the number of times they can be re-elected.

Each member elected to office shall hold only one office at a time.

If a vacancy occurs in the office of “President”,  the “Vice President” will serve as “President” for the remainder of the term.  At the next regular meeting, an election will be held for the office of “Vice President”.
 
In the event that a vacancy occurs in any subordinate office, The “President” shall make an interim appointment for the meeting and the vacancy shall be filled by proper “Nomination and Election” at the next “Regular Meeting” of the “Club”.  Individuals elected to fill a vacant “Club Officer” position shall take office immediately after their election and shall complete the term of office as specified in Article 4, Section 3 of this “Constitution”.

Any “Club Officer” can be removed from their respective office for “Just Cause” by an Affirmative (Yes) vote of a clear “Super Majority” (2/3) of the members present at any meeting who cast a “Ballot” where “Previous Notice” of the action has been communicated to the membership by a “Club Officer”. “Previous Notice” can be sent by postal mail, e-mail, fax, or can be communicated by telephone and must be properly documented.
 
The term “Just Cause” is herein defined as any action or actions taken by any “Club Officer” of the “Palmetto Amateur Radio Club” in violation or disregard of any Article contained in this “Constitution”.

The President shall be responsible for, and preside over “Regular” or “Special” “Club” meetings.  The President shall also be responsible for, and preside over “Executive Board” meetings.
 
The President shall be responsible for planning and implementing activities and associated events such as “Field Day” or any other functions sponsored by a proper motion of the “Club” membership.
 
The President shall have the authority to table any motion for a period of  30 days or until the next “Regular Meeting” to ensure that adequate notice or the provisions of “Previous Notice” have been made available to the membership.

The President shall be “Chairman” of the Field Day and Social Event Committee”.

The Vice President shall serve in the President’s absence.  The Vice President shall be responsible for arranging and presenting programs at the monthly “Club Meetings”.  The Vice President shall act as the “Repeater Trustee” and shall be responsible for maintaining the active status and appropriate coordination of all “Club” repeaters with the “Florida Repeater Council”.
 
The Vice President shall serve as “Chairman” of the “Emergency Communications Service Committee”.

The Secretary shall be responsible for,  keeping meeting minutes, sending out annual dues notices, delinquent notices, assessment notices, and the general management of all “Club” correspondence.  The Secretary shall be the custodian of and maintain all “Club” membership records.

The Secretary shall be solely responsible for rendering decisions with regard to Parliamentary Procedures and shall act as the “Club Parliamentarian”.  The Secretary shall advice the “Club Officers” and “Members” as to the appropriate decorum at “Club Meetings” and functions in accordance with the “Parliamentary Authority” as established in Article 8 of this “Constitution” .
 
The Secretary shall act as “Chairman” of the “Constitution Review Committee”.

The Treasurer shall be responsible for collecting dues,  providing the Secretary with delinquency information, and the payment of bills as directed by a proper motion of the Membership at a “Regular Meeting”, “Special Meeting”, or  “Executive Board Meeting”.
 
The Treasurer shall act as “Chairman” of the “Nominations Committee”.

The Director shall represent the “Club” membership at “Executive Board Meetings”.  The Director is empowered to table any proper motion made at an “Executive Board Meeting” and require any such action to be properly considered at the next “Regular Meeting” of the “Club”.

The Director shall act as “Chairman” of the “Financial Review Committee”.

The “Club Officers” shall perform the duties assigned to them in this “Constitution” or other actions of the “Club” membership, and other such duties applicable to their office as prescribed by the parliamentary authority adopted by the “Club”.  All officers shall surrender all “Club” materials to their respective successor at the end of their term in office.

The “Regular Meetings” of the “Club” shall be the second Monday of each month and shall commence at 7:30 PM.  All meetings shall be open to any member of the “Club”.  Any member shall be able to speak on any topic or discussion during meetings.
 
Voting rights at “Club Meetings” shall be restricted in conformance with specific and applicable Articles of this “Constitution”.

The President may call a “Special Club” meeting; or, 10 members submitting a written request to the “Club” Secretary can call a “Special Club” meeting.  In such cases a notice of the meeting shall be sent to all members of record at the time the meeting is requested  by any combination of e-mail, telephone, fax, or postal mail.  The location and time of the “Special Meeting” shall also be clearly posted on the “Club’s “Web Page”.

Any “Club Officer” may call an “Executive Board Meeting” by submitting a written request to the Secretary.  Any matter under consideration at an “Executive Board Meeting” shall require an affirmative (YES) vote of a clear majority (50 percent + 1) of the members of the “Executive Board” who cast a “Ballot”.  The “Executive Board” shall have the authority to pay bills, and authorize the expenditure of “Club” funds as necessary for the proper operation, maintenance, and support of authorized “Club” equipment, activities, functions, or programs.
 
Any expenditure authorized by the “Executive Board” shall be reported and correctly communicated to the “Club” membership at the next “Regular” meeting of the “Club”, after the expenditure is made, by the “Club” Treasurer.
The Secretary shall notify all officers as to the date, location, and time of the meeting.  Such notifications shall be made by e-mail, telephone, or fax and post such meeting notice on the “Clubs” “Web Page”.
 
The “Executive Board” can convene at a regular meeting by order of the President and upon proper motion waive the “Regular Meeting” or “Special Meeting” quorum requirements contained in this “Constitution” for the specific purpose of conducting normal business.  Matters concerning amendments to this “Constitution” or any Disciplinary matters shall not be considered as normal business.

Twenty (20) individuals with “Regular Member”, “Life Member”, or “Charter Member”  status shall constitute a quorum at a “Regular Meeting” or “Special Meeting” of the “Club”.

Three (3) “Club Officers” plus the “Director” constitute a quorum for an “Executive Board Meeting”.

Unless specifically abridged or provided for in this Constitution, the President shall have the authority to instruct the Secretary to “Poll The Entire “Club” Membership”, herein after referred to as a “Poll”, on any matter or matters he or she deems appropriate.  This “Poll” can be sent by postal mail, e-mail, fax, or can be communicated by telephone. The notice of a “Poll” must also be posted and marked clearly as a “Special Item for Consideration” on the “Club’s “Web Page”.

This action constitutes, and has the same effect as, a regular vote on the matter.  At least 40 members must respond and cast their vote in this process.  Passage of the matter requires an Affirmative (YES) vote of a clear majority (50 percent plus 1) of the responding members who cast a “Ballot”.  The Secretary shall keep appropriate records to ensure the accuracy and validity of the “Poll”.

The “Club” shall maintain five (5 ) “Standing” or permanent committees.  Committee membership is open to any “Member” of the “Club” with the exception of the “Nominations Committee” and the “Financial Committee”.  Membership in these “Committee’s” is restricted to members holding “Regular Member”, “Life Member”, or “Charter Member” status at the time of their appointment.

The Chairman of each committee shall appoint at least 2 additional “Club” members to their respective committee.  Any item approved by a “Committee” requires a “Clear Majority” “Yes” vote of the “Committee Members”.

“Ad hoc” or temporary, special interest committees,  may be formed upon proper action of the “Executive Board” or the membership of the “Club” at a “Regular Meeting”.  The Chairman of any “Ad hoc” committee shall be established at the time the “Committee” is formed.  The Chairman of the “Ad hoc” committee shall appoint at least 2 additional “Club” members and shall preside over the “Committee Meeting” in accordance with all of the appropriate and applicable  provisions of this Article.

The committee chair shall designate meeting times and dates and is responsible for recording the matters reviewed by the committee and must submit a completed report to the “Club” Secretary at the conclusion of the business.  Any “Club” member may attend a “Committee Meeting” and may speak to any matter up for consideration, but shall not have the right of a vote.

The President shall chair the “Field Day and Social Event Committee”.  The committee shall be responsible for planning the Annual Field Day Event and any other social event deemed appropriate by the “Club”.

The Vice President shall chair the “Emergency Communication Service Committee”.  The committee shall be responsible for coordinating “Club” efforts in response to  local, state, or national emergency communication needs.

The Secretary shall chair the “Constitution Review Committee”.  The committee shall be responsible for the annual review of this Constitution as to its form and sufficiency.  The committee shall recommend changes to the “Club” membership for consideration in accordance with Article 10 of this Constitution.

The Director shall chair the “Financial Committee”.  The committee shall review the “Club’s” financial statements and report it’s findings to the membership on an annual basis at the October “Club” Meeting.

The Treasurer shall chair of the “Nominations Committee”.  The committee shall review any application by motion, either written, or by proper motion at “Club Meetings” for compliance with Article 4, Section 1 of this Constitution.

Two (2) members of any committee shall constitute a quorum.

The rules, guidance, and  procedural matters,  contained in “Roberts Rules of Order : Simplified and Applied” shall govern all meetings where they are not in conflict with this “Constitution”, or other “Standing Rules” enacted by the “Club”.

Previous notice and a affirmative (YES) vote of not less that 2/3 of the “Regular”, “Charter”, or “Life” members of the “Club”, at a “Regular Club” meeting shall be required to dissolve the “Club”.  All outstanding bills must be paid prior to this action.  Any remaining funds shall be donated to a charity of the memberships choice.  All equipment owned by the “Club” shall be donated in equal quantities to the respective  “Emergency Operations Centers” for Dade and Broward counties.

This Constitution can be amended by an Affirmative (Yes) vote of a clear “Super Majority” (2/3) of the members present at any “Regular Meeting” or “Special Meeting” who cast a “Ballot” where “Previous Notice” has been given to the entire “Club” membership.
 
Any such amendment shall first be submitted in writing to the Secretary.  The Secretary is responsible to ensure that the proposed amendment is complete as to form and sufficiency. The President shall table the matter until the “Previous Notice” requirements are completed.
 
“Previous Notice” can be sent by postal mail, e-mail, fax, or can be communicated by telephone.  The notice must also be posted and marked clearly as a “Special Item for Consideration” on the “Club’s “Web Page.
         
The “Club” President, at his or her discretion, shall have the authority to instruct
the Secretary to conduct an alternative vote on this matter by “Poll” as specified in Article 6, Section 4 of this “Constitution”.  The “Club” Secretary shall be responsible for conducting the “Poll” and shall keep appropriate records to ensure the accuracy and validity of the “Poll”.
 
Any proposed amendment which has been accepted by the membership and/or validated by “Poll”  in accordance with the provisions of this Article  shall cause the “Club” Secretary to immediately record the amendment in the appropriate Article
and/or Section of this  “Constitution”.  The approved amendment shall replace the specific Article and/or Section it was intended to amend.  The old language shall be discarded and replaced with the language of the adopted amendment.
 
The “Club” Secretary shall republish this document in its entirety.  The revision date indicated on page one of the “Constitution” shall be adjusted a reflect the date of the amendment.
 
The “Club” Secretary shall notify the “Club” membership of this action at the next “Regular Meeting” or “Special Meeting” of the “Club”.  Any member can request and shall be provided a true and accurate copy of the amended “Constitution”.  Notice of the approved amendment as well as a true and accurate copy of the “Amended Constitution” shall be posted and marked clearly as a “Special Item for Consideration” on the “Club’s “Web Page for at least two (2) months.

Certificate of Service By my signature, I do hereby certify and attest that this Document is the true and correct  Constitution of the Palmetto Amateur Radio Club.