Abe
Lincoln Gun Club
BY-LAWS
Amended:
6/12/2011
ARTICLE
I – NAME
The
name of this organization shall be the ABE LINCOLN GUN CLUB, Inc. In these
By-Laws and related Rules, the acronym ALGC shall mean the same as ABE LINCOLN
GUN CLUB, Inc.
ABE
BY-LAWS
Article
II – Object
001
The object of this organization shall be the encouragement of organized rifle,
pistol,
shotgun and archery shooting in our community, with a view toward
a better
knowledge on the part of such citizens of the safe handling and
proper care of
firearms as well as improved marksmanship. It
shall be our further objective and purpose to forward the development of those characteristics
of honesty, good fellowship, self-discipline, team play and self reliance which
are the
essentials of good sportsmanship and the foundation of true patriotism.
002
It shall be the further object and purpose of this organization to
provide activities acceptable to the entire membership and provide as high
an element as possible for spectator appeal to increase membership.
To this end, special matches open to the public, upon payment of a
suitable fee, shall be run at designated times during the year.
ABE
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE
III
Types
of Membership; Oath of Allegiance; Benefits and Duties:
003
There shall be two types of membership:
1.
REGULAR MEMBERS
A. Regular
Members, refers to a member as a person who is a citizen or resident alien of the
United States, is at least 18 years of age, who was appointed to
membership by the Executive Committee, who has agreed to abide by the club rules and has paid their annual dues and initiation fees for the current fiscal
year.
B. Regular
Members, have full voting rights and may be elected to office for the club such as President, Vice
President, etc. He/she may be
appointed to various committees wherein to conduct work on behalf of the club.
2.
LIFE MEMBERS
A.
Life Members, is a senior member of the club who as been a
regular member for at least 20 years AND was at least 65 years of
age as of his/her birthday AND is approved by the Executive Committee.
B.
Life Members have the full rights, same as a regular member, without the obligation of paying the annual dues.
004
LIMITATIONS AS TO THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS; ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP OF
FAMILY MEMBERS AND GRATUATE JUNIORS:
1.
The membership roster shall be limited to 275 Regular Members.
2.
Exceptions:
A. Graduates of the ALGC’s Juniors Program, who are
recommended by their training instructor, may be admitted
regardless of the limit on regular members, if such
application for membership is submitted within sixty (60)
days of the graduation of said Junior.
B. Members of the immediate family of regular or life members
may be admitted regardless of the limit on regular members.
3. The Executive Committee may from time to time grant an Honorary
Membership to non-members who provide benefits or services to
the club on a voluntary basis.
4.
All persons admitted to membership in the club must meet the
following requirements:
A.
Must have a current membership in the National Rifle Association.
B.
Submit a complete written application to the club Secretary.
C.
Attend at least one interview session with the club officers.
D.
Be voted upon by the Executive Committee.
E.
Pay the appropriate initiation fee and annual dues.
F.
Be sponsored by a member in good standing.
` G.
Read and sign a copy of the Club Rules and Membership Agreement.
H.
Must read and sign the member liability waiver.
5.
Applicants submitting complete applications shall be considered for regular membership in the chronological order in
which completed applications are received and dated by the Secretary.
6.
Such members so admitted, shall apply against future vacancies
until the membership limit is again stable at the specified limit.
005
The above shall also apply to returning ex-members who have been
forced to leave this area due to circumstances beyond their control.
1.
INACTIVE STATUS:
A.
Inactive Status may be applied to members at their own
request by action of the Executive Committee when for
financial reasons the member
is unable to continue his/her
membership, or if he/she is moving from the area
by may
return to the area in the future.
B.
There is no general rule as to how long a member may be
carried on Inactive Status. It
shall be at the discretion of the
Executive Committee.
C.
If the member has failed to pay his/her annual dues and the
circumstances of that particular failure are known to the
Executive Committee, the Executive Committee may choose
to remove the member from the regular membership roster
and place the member on inactive status as a courtesy,
rather than to expel the member. The
length of time that
member remains on inactive status, shall be at the
discretion of the Executive Committee.
D.
While on inactive status, these members do NOT have
voting rights and they do NOT have a key to any of the club
facilities.
E.
While on inactive status, these members are given
preference over new membership applicants for vacancies
in the regular membership roster and will be readmitted with
the payment of the current annual dues (no initiation fee).
006
Members for whom the payment of annual dues is optional under Article
IV, Section B (Life Members) shall not be counted against the roster
limit.
007
All members in good standing shall have the privilege of using the
facilities of the club under the regulations and directions issued by the
Executive
Committee.
008
Members in good standing shall have the privilege of competing for
places on the various Teams which will represent the club in official
inter- club
competitions.
009
Members in good standing shall have the privilege of voice and ballot in
all matters pertaining to the activities and the welfare of the club
except such
matters of administration as are delegated by these By-Laws or
subsequently by proper action of the membership to the Executive
Committee, special committees or club officers.
010
It shall be the duty of all members to conduct themselves at all times in
a manner
becoming to the true sportsman and good citizen.
A.
To observe the rules and regulations of the club and the National
Rifle Association of America as pertains to competition and safety.
B.
To assist the officers of the club in maintaining proper order,
discipline, safe conduct and fair play.
C.
To promptly report, in writing, to the Executive Committee any
infractions of the rules by club members or visitors, which may
result in danger to the persons, property or good repute of the
ALGC or its members.
011
No member will be considered in good standing who is delinquent in the
payment of dues (or) who has by proper action of the Executive
Committee or the National Rifle Association been suspended from privileges of membership.
Members not in good standing shall be
notified by the Executive Committee and denied use of the club
facilities.
12.
All members must read and sign a current “Conditional Use and Hold
Harmless” liability waiver. Members
renewing for the 2011-2012 year
have 60 days from adoption of this amendment to submit a signed waiver
to remain a member in good standing.
(Amended 6-12-2011)
ABE
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE
IV – Fees & Dues
013
Annual Dues, shall be payable no later than June 30.
Dues not paid
prior to July 1 shall be considered delinquent.
015
The annual dues for Regular Members shall be $100 if paid in person at
the Annual Meeting/Work Day. Annual
dues not paid at the Annual
Meeting/ Working Day shall be $125 ( Effective FY2010).
016
A one time, $100.00 initiation fee in addition to the annual dues shall
be assessed
against new regular members at the time of their acceptance
into the club. This fee is
waived for the minor children (Under 21) and
spouse of a regular member in good standing.
017
Any member whose dues become sixty (60) days delinquent shall
automatically be expelled from membership for non-payment of dues.
018
It shall be the duty of the Secretary or Treasurer to promptly notify
such
member of his expulsion and the reason therefore.
019
That upon request for re-admission, such an expelled member shall make
Application and pay the initiation fee as a new member.
(Meaning that if
the expelled member wishes to reapply, he/she will have to pay not only
the over-due annual dues, but will also pay a new initiation fee.)
ABE
BY-LAWS
Article
V – Club Meetings
020
Annual Meeting / Work Day
A.
The annual meeting shall be held the second Sunday of June.
B.
All annual meetings of the ALGC are to be held at the club
grounds.
021
The fiscal year shall run from July 1st of each year through June 30th of
the following year.
022
If the annual meeting can not take place at the time fixed, it shall be
held within
a reasonable time thereafter, and the Executive Committee shall
hold over in their elected and appointed offices until their successors
shall have been elected or appointed as the case may be
023
Special Meetings:
A.
A special meeting of the organization may be held at anytime upon
the call of the President.
1.
Or upon the call of the Executive Committee.
2.
Or upon demand in writing, stating the object of the
proposed meeting signed by not less than twenty (20%)
percent of the members in good standing.
B.
Notice of the time, place and object of any special meeting shall be
given to all officers and members in good standing, in writing by
C.
The place of any such special meeting shall be fixed by the
President (or Executive Committee, if the president is unable or
fails to act.)
024
A quorum of the Executive Committee shall hold Executive Committee
meetings quarterly at a site of its choosing.
026
Quorum:
A.
A quorum shall be a total of twenty-five (25) members in good
standing at any meeting where the club is to acquire or sell any
property (real estate) or where a capitol expenditure of $10,000.00
or more will be considered.
For such a meeting, written notification by the
B.
For other, general business meetings where neither the
acquisition or disposition of property (real estate) nor any capital
expenditure exceeding $10,000.00 will be considered, a quorum
shall be defined as “the members present” except as provided
under Article VI, paragraph 034.
ABE
BY-LAWS
Article
VI - Executive Committee
027
The ELECTED members of the Executive Committee shall be the:
A.
President
B.
Vice President
C.
Secretary
D.
Treasurer
E.
Executive Officer
028
The elected members of the Executive Committee shall be elected by a
majority vote, by ballot (verbal or written as the circumstances may
require) of the members in good standing and present at the annual
meeting of the organization.
029 Term
of office: The elected members of
the Executive Committee shall
hold office for a two (2) year term.
(Amended 6/9/02)
There are no limitations on the number of terms an officer may be re-
elected by the members. (Added
6/9/02)
030
The Executive Committee shall have general supervision and control of all
activities
of the organization and activities at the club.
031
The Executive Committee shall be responsible for investigating all
reports
of violations of the club By-Laws and or rules, and exacting penalties.
032
The President may appoint sub-committee chairmen as needed, with
confirmation
by the Executive Committee, including but not limited to:
A.
Chief Instructor
B.
Legislative Chairman
C.
Grounds & Maint.
D.
Acres For Wildlife
E.
Trap and Skeet
032a
Duties of the Chief Instructor:
A.
Shall have charge of all small arms “instruction” with the authority
to appoint assistants.
B.
Shall coordinate with the Executive Officer in filing all reports for
the National Rifle Association and the Civilian Marksmanship
Program, various training programs, ie, Juniors Program, etc.
C.
Shall contract no bills without the authorization of the Executive
Committee.
D.
Shall not pass the annual opportunity to obtain suitable
ammunition from the CMP.
032b
Duties of the Legislative Chairman:
While keeping in mind that we are a social/sports activity organization,
not a political organization…
A.
Shall have charge of and handle all club legislative activities.
B.
Shall keep the Executive Committee and membership informed
concerning any legislation that impacts the club’s purpose.
C.
Shall have the authority to appoint assistants.
D.
Shall contract no bills without the authorization of the
president.
033
Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held at minimum quarterly
or at any other time on the call of the President (or) on demand, in
writing
to the Secretary by any three elected members of the Executive
Committee.
034
For meetings of the Executive Committee (Including annual and special
membership meetings), a quorum of three (3)
elected members of the
Executive Committee shall be the rule.
035
Filling Vacancies on the Executive Committee (between elections):
A.
A vacancy in the Executive Committee may be filled by a majority
vote of the remaining members of the Executive Committee.
B.
If more than one vacancy exists on the Executive Committee, a
special meeting of the organization shall be called and new officer
shall be elected to fill the vacancies until the date of the next
annual meeting where an election of officers is scheduled.
ABE
BY-LAWS
Article
VII – Duties of the elected officers.
037
President:
A.
Shall preside at all annual and special meetings and at all
Executive Committee meetings.
B.
Shall be a member ex-officio of all sub-committees.
C.
Shall perform all such other duties as usually pertain to this office.
D.
Shall be primarily responsible for all club activities.
E.
Is hereby empowered to make contracts and commitments for the
benefit and improvement of the club and it’s grounds and
buildings, not in excess of $10,000.00 with the approval of a
majority vote of the Executive Committee.
F.
Routine contracts for club improvements shall not deplete the
treasury lower than $200.00 except in cases of dire emergency.
038
Vice President:
A.
Shall perform all the duties of the president in his absence or at
the request of the president.
B.
Shall be responsible for maintenance and improvement of the
buildings, grounds and club facilities.
C.
May appoint such assistants as he may need.
D.
Shall oversee the recycle program and shall maintain the soda
machine.
039
Secretary:
A.
Shall conduct all official correspondence, except as indicated in
the responsibilities of other officers.
B.
Shall notify the members of the Executive Committee of all
meetings and all members of regular, special and annual
meetings.
C.
Shall keep a true record of all meetings of the Executive
Committee. The minutes, are to be available to the members upon
request.
D.
Shall have custody of the books and papers of the club, except the
Treasurer’s books of account and the operating papers of other \
officers.
E.
Applicants for Membership:
1.
Any person seeking to become a member of the ALGC
must submit the completed application form to the club
secretary.
2.
Applications will be kept in file for a period of FIVE (5) years
from the date they are received by the club secretary.
F.
The secretary (and) the treasurer shall be responsible for the
collection of all fees and dues and for the maintaining of an
accurate record of membership (roster).
The secretary shall remit any fees or dues or other funds collected,
to the treasurer who will promptly receipt therefore.
G.
In the case of the absence of the secretary, the treasurer shall be
empowered to act as secretary.
040
Treasurer:
A.
Shall have charge of all funds of the organization and shall place
same in such bank or banks as may be approved by the Executive
Committee.
B.
Such money shall only be withdrawn by a check signed by the
treasurer, and only for the payment of such bills as shall have been
approved by the Executive Committee.
C.
Is hereby empowered to pay current, routine bills on behalf of the
club (phone, propane, electric, taxes, postage, insurance, etc.) not
exceeding $2,000.00 without further approval or delay.
(Amended 6/9/02)
D.
Shall report to the president periodically and shall present to the
Executive Committee, at each Executive Committee meeting, an
itemized listing of all bills received and checks drawn.
E.
Shall receive from the secretary a list of names, of the members for
who dues are being paid and the dates covered by the
membership dues.
F.
Shall keep an accurate account of all transactions and render a
detailed report with vouchers at any meetings of the Executive
Committee when so requested. A
report to the organization at it’s
annual meeting will be presented listing each account with
balances, net worth of the club, etc.
G.
In the absence of the treasurer, the secretary will be empowered to
act for him with the exception of drawing checks.
041
Executive Officer:
A.
Shall have charge of the ranges of the club.
(Meaning any special
use of the range must go through the Executive Officer.)
B.
Shall have charge of the printing of score cards.
C.
Shall have charge of arranging competitions, etc.
D.
Shall have authority to appoint assistants.
E.
Shall contract no bills without the authorization of the president.
F.
For competition duties, the Executive Officer may appoint a
competent assistant executive officer for:
1.
Small bore
2.
High power
3.
Pistol
4.
Shotgun
5.
Blackpowder
6.
Archery
G.
Shall coordinate with the Chief Instructor for the ordering and
storage of small arms and ammunition owned by the club and the
filing of reports for the NRA and the CMP.
(Added 9/15/07)
045
Ability to Adopt Rules:
A.
The Executive Committee may adopt rules to govern it’s operation
and the use of the club grounds, buildings and facilities.
ABE
BY-
LAWS
Article
VIII – Suspension or Expulsion
046
Any officer or member may be suspended by a majority vote of the
Executive Committee for infractions of the club by-laws or executive
rules,
pending a vote of the members of the club at an annual or special
meeting.
At such annual or special meeting, the suspended officer or member may
be reprimanded, suspended or expelled from the club by a majority vote of
the members present.
(Amended 6/9/02)
047
The membership shall be notified seven days prior to the meeting, that a
recall, suspension or removal of an officer or member will be considered.
048
The member or officer being considered for such action, shall also be so
notified.
ABE
BY-LAWS
Article
IX – Amendments
049
Amendments to these By-Laws may be introduced by any member at any annual or special meeting.
050
A notice shall be sent to all members notifying them of the time, date
and place
of said meeting.
051
The notice shall also include the statement, “Amendment of the By-Laws
will be considered.”
(Meaning, there was no requirement for three notices to be published as
is sometimes cited. Simply a
notice to the members announcing the
plans for a meeting where changes will be considered and the changes
can be brought up for discussion, from the floor by any member.)
052
A 2/3 vote of the members present shall be required to approve any
amendments proposed.
ABE
BY-LAWS
Article
X – Rules of Order
053
All meetings of the club and the Executive Committee will be conducted
in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order as condensed and approved
by the National Rifle Association.
(Meaning, that generally we run a friendly and easy going style of
meeting, but if something comes along which presents a difficult
question or situation, we are authorized to hold a formal style meeting.)
ABE
BY-LAWS
Article
XI – Guests
054
Guests:
A.
Family & Friends:
1.
Including wives, husbands, or other members of a club
member’s family, shall be welcomed and encouraged.
2.
Children of members are welcome, but must be strictly
controlled.
3.
Children, under the age of 12, must be supervised by an
individual NOT shooting.
4.
Number of guests allowed:
Any regular or life member may bring to the club a maximum
of two (2) shooting and two (2) non-shooting guests at any
one time. (Amended 6/12/2011)
5.
N.R.A. Certified Instructors, who are members of this club,
with prior notice to the Executive Officer, may conduct
training classes using the club facilities.
However, the
normal guest policy prevails.
6.
Official Agencies: Such as
the IL Dept of Corrections
Sniper Team or the Springfield Police Dept., will NOT be
allowed to use the club facilities for training purposes due to
our concerns about liability issues.
7
Instructors would NOT be authorized to “close” the range
and would be advised that club members have priority,
except when a “Guest Group” closure is approved as below.
8.
All guests are required to complete and sign a guest liability
waiver whenever on club property whether they will be
shooting or just visiting.
B.
Guest Groups: (Amended 6-12-2011)
Guest
group training or shoots may be scheduled and held at the club with prior notice
to and written approval by the Executive Committee.
No training exercises will be allowed which would conflict with the
safety procedures and shooting restrictions applicable to the Abe Lincoln Gun
Club. All group guests will sign in
on a separate log and complete a guest waiver.
A range my be reserved for the group and closed to members provided
suitable advance notice postings are made. The
date and time, type and size of the group, the nature of the activity, and the
ratio of members to guests in the group shall be considered by the Executive
Committee on a case-by-case basis.
The
sponsoring member(s) will be responsible for Club property and interests while
the group is on Club property and must be present during the event.
ABE
BY-LAWS
Article
XII – Alcoholic Beverages
055
The
use of alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverage containers is
PROHIBITED at all times, from all property owned by the ALGC. There
are no exceptions to this rule.
055a
Any
member found to be in possession of any alcoholic beverages or
illegal drugs while on club property will be immediately expelled from
membership in the club as provided in other By-Laws.
ABE
BY-LAWS
Article
XIII – Dissolution
056
In the event that the club is dissolved for any reason in which the club
shall cease to exist and will be deemed to be out of business, the net
assets shall be donated to the National Rifle Association of which the
club has
been a charter member since 1946.
(Meaning: This dissolution
clause is NOT to be invoked by the club
relocating or moving to a new location.
It is only invoked if the club
ceases to exist and is out of business.)
(Amended 6/9/02)
ABE
BY-LAWS
Signature
Block
057
The foregoing By-Laws are those approved by the club membership on
June 26, 1969 and amended at the annual meetings of June 4, 1975;
June
11, 1978, June 5, 1983, and June 14, 2009.
Signed:
Steve Rowoldt, President & Jim Leinicke, Secretary
Dated:
June 12, 2011