NORTHEAST PLEASURE RIDERS
A HONDA RIDERS CLUB
CHAPTER BYLAWS
ARTICLE 1
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
Full membership in the Northeast Pleasure Riders is open to any person who is a member of the Honda Riders Club of America and terminates with the expiration of that membership. Associate members of the Honda Riders Club will also be considered full members of the Northeast Pleasure Riders provided they are at least 18 years old.
Section 2
Affiliate membership in the Northeast Pleasure Riders is available to motorcyclists and those interested in the sport of motorcycling who are not members of the Honda Riders Club. Affiliate members will have all the rights and privileges of a full member, except they may not hold the offices of President, Past President, President–elect, or Treasurer. They may not vote on issues, which directly affect the Northeast Pleasure Riders affiliation with Honda Riders Club of America.
Section 3
All members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with promoting a positive image of motorcycling and the Honda Riders Club of America. A member may be expelled for conduct unbecoming a member of the club, but first charges must be made in writing and the accused member given a hearing before the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall take evidence and report its findings to the club, with its recommendation for expulsion based on proven charges, or retention based on unproven charges. A veto of the Executive Boards’ recommendation shall require a vote of two-thirds of the full members present and entitled to vote at the meeting at which the recommendations are presented.
Section 4
The consumption of any alcoholic beverage during any club activity is discouraged. The consumption of any alcoholic beverage during any riding activity is prohibited and is grounds for termination of membership. The club will not provide alcoholic beverages to members at any club function, nor will it allow any riding activity to take place at a location that provides or sells alcoholic beverages.
ARTICLE 2
FEES AND DUES
Section 1
Annual dues for each chapter member will be established by vote of the Executive Board. Special fees may also be established by vote of the Executive Board on an as needed basis. Dues and fees must be paid by the designated date to remain a member of the Northeast Pleasure Riders. Amounts determined by the Executive Board as dues or fees may be vetoed by a two-thirds vote of the membership as a whole.
Article 3
Meetings
Section 1
Regular meetings of the Northeast Pleasure Riders shall be held monthly at a time and place designated by the president and approved by the Executive Board.
Section 2
The Executive Board will meet monthly at a time and place designated by the president and approved by the executive board. Additional meetings may be called by the President as needed and will be held at a time and place designated by the President based on the availability of the board. All meetings are open to the members; however, executive sessions are permitted if necessary.
Section 3
All meetings are governed by Roberts Rules of Order. The general order of business will be: Roll call; Reading of previous minutes; Reports of officers and others; Old business; and new business. Minutes will include a brief synopsis of discussions and the result of any votes taken.
ARTICLE 4
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Section 1
The officers of the Northeast Pleasure Riders shall be: Past President, President, President-elect, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Treasurer.
Section 2
A nominating committee consisting of three full members will present a slate of officers to the members at the November meeting of the club. Additional nominations may be made from the floor on the vote of the majority of the members present. Elections will be by secret ballot at the December meeting. The Past president will chair a committee of three, appointed by the Past President, to count the ballots and announce the winners at the December Meeting. Ballots will be retained until after the December Meeting to allow for challenges.
Section 3
The term of office for all officers will be two years, beginning in January of even numbered years. The preliminary election to be held in 2001 will be for a term, which ends December 31, 2003. The preliminary election will elect a President, President-elect, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Treasurer. Subsequent to the first election, the officers elected will be President-elect, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Treasurer. The President moves down to Past President. The President-elect moves up to President. The first President will serve as Past President for the election to be held in 2003. At no time may the Treasurer be related to any of the three presidential officers.
Section 4
Any vacancy in office will be filled by special election of members present at the next meeting following the announcement of vacancy.
Section 5
The Executive Board shall consist of the Past President, President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, and a representative of Rider’s World, our Sponsoring Honda Dealer.
ARTICLE 5
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1
The President presides at meetings of the Northeast Pleasure Riders membership and the Executive Board. The President has general supervision of the operation of the club. The President cannot make decisions or contracts binding for the club without authorization of a majority of the Executive Board. Contracts in excess of $1,000 require a majority vote of the members present at a regularly scheduled meeting of the club at which it has been announced that a vote will be taken.
Section 2
The President-elect will preside in the absence of the President. The President-elect becomes to President at the end of the two-year term, or whenever the president is no longer willing or able to serve.
Section 3
The Past President will preside in the absence of the President and President-elect. The Past President serves a two-year term following a term as President to provide continuity on the Executive Board.
Section 4
The Recording Secretary will have custody of the Northeast Pleasure Riders bylaws and other records. The Recording Secretary will maintain an accurate record of all the club meetings and activities.
Section 5
The Corresponding Secretary will provide contact with outside parties and their relationship to the club activities. This will include all correspondence to all parties including the members when necessary.
Section 6
The Treasurer receives and disburses all funds of the Northeast Pleasure Riders. The Treasurer will maintain all financial and tax records of the club, and make regular financial reports to the Executive Board and to the Membership. Monthly reports to the Executive Board must include a listing of receipts and their sources and disbursements by vendor and purpose. The Treasurer may not be related to any of the presidential officers. The treasurer will maintain a bank account for the club funds. Disbursements in excess of $250 will require the signature of the Treasurer and the President. The Executive Board must also approve disbursements in excess of $500 before they are made.
ARTICLE 6
LIABILITY AND DISSOLUTION
Section 1
The Northeast Pleasure Riders and its members are responsible for expenses incurred at its discretion in the activities approved by the membership or the Executive Board. In the event of dissolution of the Northeast Pleasure Riders, all indebtedness of the Club will be paid from Club funds, with any remaining funds donated to a charity designated by the membership.
ARTICLE 7
AMENDMENTS
Section 1
Any amendments to the bylaws of the Northeast Pleasure Riders must be submitted in writing to the membership of the club at a regularly scheduled meeting. At the next regularly scheduled meeting the amendment must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the members present to be adopted. Upon its adoption the amendment must be submitted to the Administration of the Honda Riders Club of America for its consent before it takes effect.