Stevens Community Humane Society
Article I – Name
The name of the society shall be the Stevens Community Humane Society, a non profit society.
Article II – Purpose
The objective of this society shall be prevention of cruelty to animals and to promote responsible pet ownership.
Article III – Membership
Section 1- Membership
A person who donates a monetary gift to the society shall be a member.
Section 2 – Voting Privileges
Any individual paying at least annual dues will receive one vote at any general
membership meeting.
Section 3 – Termination of membership
A member may be expelled from membership or a membership may be suspended for
non-payment of the member’s financial obligations to the Society or for
conduct as a member that is detrimental to the best interest of the Society.
The Board of Directors will have full discretionary powers in doing so.
Section 4 – Meetings
A semi-annual meeting of the members will be held in March and September. At
no time will more than six (6) months elapse between meetings. Special meetings
may be called by the Board of Directors, President or at the request of twenty-fine
(25) percent of the membership. Notice shall be communicated via US Postal Service
or electronic communication to the membership at least fifteen (15) days prior
to the meeting.
Section 5 – Quorum
Shall consist of a majority of those voting members present at the meeting.
ARTICLE IV – Board of Directors
Section 1 - Number
The Board of Directors shall consist of nine (9) voting members eighteen (18)
years old or older in good standing. Four who are the officers of the Society
(Refer to article 5).
Section 2 – Term of Office
A director shall hold office for a term of three (3) years or until a successor
is elected. Directors are divided into three groups with staggered terms arranged
so that one group will be elected every year. A director shall not serve more
than two consecutive three-year terms.
Section 3 – Manner of Elections
Directors shall be elected by a majority of voting members present at the semi-annual
meeting occurring at the March general meeting.
Section 4 – Authority
The Board will elect officers for the Society. The Board shall have control
and responsibility for the managing the affairs of the society. The will also
have authority to fill vacancies on the Board for the remainder of a term if
circumstances dictate the need to do so. The Board shall establish and/or dissolve
committees as necessary. The Board shall also approve and appoint all appropriate
committee membership.
Section 5 – Meetings
The Board of Directors shall meet not less than quarterly based on a calendar
year. The Board or the president may hold other meetings as deemed necessary
by the Board.
Section 6 – Quorum
Five directors currently in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction
of business.
ARTICLE V - Officers
Section 1 – Number and Titles
The officers of this society shall be President, Vice President, Treasurer,
and Secretary.
The Board of Directors at the first board meeting following elections, to serve
a term of one year, shall elect all officers. They will begin office following
their election or no later than July 1st. All officers shall be elected from
the membership of the Board.
Section 2 – President
The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Society. He/She shall
preside at all meetings of the Board and of the Society. He/She shall have authority
to sign such papers as may be required to conduct business for the welfare of
the Society. This shall include the co-signing of any checks made out by the
Treasurer in excess of $200.00 and all vouchers. The President shall deliver
a message to the members at each General Meeting.
Section 3 – Vice President
The Vice President shall in the absence or disability of the President perform
the duties of the President.
Section 4 – Secretary
The Secretary shall give notice of the time and place of all meetings and preserve
the record of the proceedings of the Society. They shall perform such other
duties as are usually expected of such officer. The Secretary shall have custody
of the bylaws, records and general archives of the Society.
Section 5 – Treasurer
A - The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of the financial records of
the Society.
The Treasurer shall be responsible for depositing into and withdrawing from
a bank designated by the Board of Directors. He/She shall have responsibility
for all monies received and shall perform such other duties as are usually expected
of such officer.
The Treasurer shall have the authority to sign such papers as may be required
to conduct business necessary for the promotion of the Society. The Treasurer
shall provide written report to the Board and/or the membership and give an
annual account of the financial records during a general meeting of the Society
or at other times as directed by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VI – Committees
All Committees shall be established and dissolved as deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII – Nominations
Nominations for the Board of Directors shall be taken from the floor at the March General meeting.
ARTICLE VIII – Amendment of the Bylaws
It may be proposed that, these bylaws may be amended altered or repealed at any General Meeting or at any special meeting of this Society as recommended by the Board of Directors and then approved by a majority vote of the general voting membership. Following approval of the Board of Directors copies of the proposed changes shall be provided to voting members no less than fifteen days prior to the holding of either the General Meeting or a special meeting called for such purpose.
ARTICLE IX – Effective Date
The bylaws are effective upon their adoption and supersede all former bylaws of this Society.