CONSTITUTION
NAME I
OFFICE II
OBJECT III
BY-LAWS
MEMBERSHIP I
FEES AND DUES II
ELECTIONS III
VACANCIES IV
OFFICERS V
MANAGEMENT VI
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE VII
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ACCOUNTABILITY VIII
MEETINGS IX
ORDER OF BUSINESS X
SPECIAL COMMITTEES XI
LAKE AND LAND CONTROL XII
CAMPING AND PICNICKING AND OTHER FACILITIES XIII
AMENDMENTS XIV
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
DECATUR COUNTY CONSERVATION CLUB
ARTICLE I
NAME
This organization shall be known as the DECATUR COUNTY CONSERVATION CLUB
ARTICLE II
OFFICE
Its principal office shall be in Decatur County, Indiana. The office will consist of the following:
Executive Board: President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.
Executive Committee of five Chairmen: Lake, Clubhouse, Campground, Range and At Large.
ARTICLE III
OBJECT
The object, purpose, and scope of the Decatur County Conservation Club is hereby defined to be as follows:
1. To propagate and protect Fish, Game and Forest.
2. To procure the enactment of laws for the preservation of and protection of Fish, Game, and Forests.
3. To help create and foster a public sentiment in favor of better protection of Fish, Game, and Forest and promote purification of air and water.
4. To interest the owners of land in the work of the Club and to promote a friendly relation between landowner and sportsman by working for their mutual advantage.
BY-LAWS
OF THE
DECATUR COUNTY CONSERVATION CLUB
REVISED ON DECEMBER 28, 2024
ARTICLE I
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Any individual who is 18 years of age or older shall subscribe to these Articles and shall be eligible for membership.
Section 2. All memberships must have a Club Information Sheet (Application). If said Information Sheet is not on file with the Club, membership is not valid.
Section 3. The member shall be responsible for the conduct and safety of his family.
Section 4. Campground guests are welcome but must be accompanied by a member. A person may visit three times. On the third visit, the guest is to become a member. Guests must stay at the host’s campsite or be with the host and are not afforded any of the privileges of membership such as fishing and use of the gun range.
A. Visitors staying in tents must be at a member’s lot or camping at lakeside must be with a member also at lakeside.
B. A visit is considered anything over an hour.
ARTICLE II
INITIATION FEES AND DUES
Section 1. The annual dues shall be recommended by the Executive Board and voted on by the members.
Section 2. Dues can be paid in advance for the current year, which commences on January 1st each year. Early bird memberships will start October 1st. If they were not a member before, it will be good for the current year and the new year.
Section 3. Individual hardships for the payment of dues must be approved by the Executive Board.
Section 4. The dues of the following shall be free:
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. Member Attorney
6. All Members in full time, active Military Service
Reimbursement of dues for members new to the Executive office can be done by the Treasurer upon request.
Section 5. The dues for the following shall be waived:
A. Members 70 years of age or older may continue to enjoy the facilities of the Club without further payment of annual dues provided they have been a member of good standing for at least 5 years immediately preceding the current dues year. For the purpose of this rule, any part of the 5th year is to be considered a whole year in computing the 5 years.
B. Lifetime membership cards can be obtained from the Treasurer.
C. To be a lifetime member, you must have a card. If requested to see a membership card, it must be available, or you may be asked to leave.
D. You must have an Information Sheet on file. If Lifetime membership started before the start of the Information Sheet, you will be required to have one filled out when requesting a new card.
E. Lifetime members must follow all rules and regulations implemented.
ARTICLE III
MANNER OF ELECTION
Section 1. Annual elections shall be held in conjunction with the Annual Dinner on the first Saturday in January at the Clubhouse. Nominations may be made from the floor at the October meeting. Any person nominated must agree to the nomination before their names may be placed on the ballot. The President shall report the slate of candidates at the November meeting, one for each office or Committee Chair.
Section 1a. Election of the Committee Chairmen shall be on a ballot. Five Committee Chairmen are to be elected for a two-year term. In addition, one-year Chairmen are to be elected in the event any two-year chairs were vacated during the current year. In the event any two-year Committee Chairs are vacated during the current year, the Executive Board will hold a meeting and nominate a replacement. The President shall meet with the nominee to get approval.
Section 2. In case of failure to elect officers at the January meeting for lack of a quorum or for any other reason, the officers then in office shall continue in office until their successors are elected.
Section 3. In case of failure to elect officers at the January meeting, the President shall call a special meeting of the Club Membership to be held within 20 days for the purpose of electing officers and for such other business as may be specified in the call, at which meeting no other business shall be transacted, and the officers elected at such meeting shall immediately assume their respective offices. The President of the club shall, in his call, give notice of the time and place of holding such special meeting.
ARTICLE IV
VACANCIES
Section 1. The Executive Board shall have full power to fill any vacancy which shall occur from death, resignation or otherwise, among officers, and any such appointment made by them shall be valid until the next annual election.
Section 2. Officers may resign by presenting their written resignation to the Secretary. It will be announced at the monthly meeting. Arrangements will be made for replacement.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1. The Executive Board’s officers of the Club shall be President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Officers are to be voted on every even year.
Section 2. The Committee Chairmen for Lake, Campgrounds, Clubhouse, Range and At Large are to be voted on every odd year.
ARTICLE VI
MANAGEMENT
Section 1. The Management of the Club shall be entrusted to an Executive Board, which includes the four officers and the retiring President, who becomes a Chairman for two years following his term as President.
Section 1a. Chairmen are to be voted on every odd year. Chairmen will also be responsible for forming said committees. Election to the five Chairmen positions is open to all members, with the intent of each Chairman to fill the responsibilities of Chairman to one of the five committees (Lake, Campground, Shooting Range, Clubhouse/Grounds, and At Large). This shall be known as the Executive Committee.
Section 2. The President, or in the President’s absence, the Vice President shall preside at all meetings of the membership or Executive Committee. In the absence of both the President and Vice President at any meeting of the Club, or Executive Committee, the meeting should be rescheduled unless it is an emergency.
Section 3. The Secretary shall keep a full and complete record of the proceedings of all meetings of the members and notify officers and committees of their election or appointment. The Officer/Chairman shall hand such books and records over to the successor in office within ten days after election of such successor.
Section 4. The Treasurer shall keep a roster of all members, collect all dues, and shall have in custody all the money of the club, and pay all bills, claims, or awards. The Treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all receipts and disbursements and shall exhibit a full statement of all financial affairs of the club at each regular meeting, and to the Executive Board at its request. The Treasurer shall hand over to the Auditor a complete and correct financial statement together with all funds, books and records pertaining to the office. The Treasurer shall also prepare an annual statement of the assets of the club for the Auditing Committee.
Section 5. All refunds for transactions shall be turned into the Treasurer after monthly meetings. All checks must be cashed within 2 weeks. Receipt Tracking slips must be filled out to receive a refund.
ARTICLE VII
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1. The Executive Board/Committee shall have full power to suggest and call a special vote for the purpose of suspension or eviction of any member of the club. The Executive Board oversees rules regulating the affairs and conduct of the club not consistent with this constitution.
Section 2. Any member of the Executive Board/Committee missing three consecutive meetings without due notice of sickness, vacations, or other causes may be removed from their position.
Section 3. The Executive Board/Committee has control and management of the properties and affairs of the club and shall have charge of all matters pertaining to the welfare of the Club. All matters pertaining to the sales of real estate or any other transactions that have a value of $250.00 or more must be brought before the club members for their vote at their regular meeting, with the exception of regular monthly bills.
Section 4. If selling a camper, the person buying it must have approval by the Executive Board/Committee if they plan to maintain and rent the lot.
ARTICLE VIII
EXECUTIVE BOARD AND COMMITTEE ACCOUNTABILITY
Section 1. If a member of the Executive Board/Committee fails to fulfill their duty or obligations outlined in these by-laws, they may be subject to a vote of No Confidence.
Section 2. Any member may call for a vote of No Confidence against a member of the Executive Board/Committee for any one of the following reasons and these reasons only:
1. Absenteeism (defined as missing three meetings in their term without the absence being excused by a majority vote at each individual meeting.
2. Failure to perform the duties of their office as outlined in these by-laws.
3. Misappropriation of club funds.
Section 3. A motion for a vote of No Confidence must be seconded and at this point a vote to proceed must take place by the membership. This motion and vote are not to be tabled for a later date. If the motion carries with a majority vote, the following steps are to be taken:
1. The meeting is to be closed. No further business is to be conducted.
2. Notice is to be posted to all members, within seven calendar days, that a Vote of no confidence will take place at the next regular stated monthly membership meeting.
3. The grievance must be presented by the member in writing to the Secretary with copies to the President and Vice President within seven calendar days of the approved motion. A receipt of acceptance is to be given to the member, complete with time and date and accompanied by the secretary’s signature.
Section 4. At the next regular stated monthly membership meeting, the first order of business after the meeting opens will be to dispense with the business of the pending Vote of No Confidence. It shall adhere to the following outline:
1. The Secretary shall read the charge(s). If the secretary is the subject of the grievance, then the President shall read the charge(s).
2. After the charge(s) are read, the accused is to be given the opportunity to rebut the charge(s).
3. After the rebuttal a majority vote of all members present is to be taken to determine if the Executive Board/Committee member is to be removed from office.
4. If the majority vote is in favor of removal, the officer is no longer considered to be on the board and the Executive Board is to fill the vacancy as outlined in Article V, Section 1.
5. Once the business of the Vote of No Confidence is dispensed, the meeting is to be conducted as normal.
ARTICLE IX
MEETINGS
Section 1. The regular membership meeting shall be held on the last Saturday of each month in the Clubhouse, unless otherwise stated by the Executive Board.
Section 2. The elections and annual dinner meeting of the membership shall be held in the clubhouse on the first Saturday of January of each year. In the event road conditions prevent the meeting, the Executive Board shall set another date as soon after the original date as possible. The newly elected officers and chairmen assume their duties at the close of the business meeting after elections.
Section 3. The Executive meeting may be called at any time by the President or upon the request of a majority of the committee.
Section 4. Special meetings of the membership may be called by the President when deemed such meeting is in the best interest of the club. Upon failure of the President to act within three days, then a majority of the committee may call such meeting.
Section 5. The President may change the date of any regular meeting which might conflict with any holiday or special event, by proper notification of the membership.
Section 6. Quorum for Executive Committee meetings shall consist of four Officers and five Chairmen.
ARTICLE X
ORDER OF BUSINESS
Section1. The order of business at any meeting shall be:
1. Reading of minutes of previous meeting
2. Reading of Treasurers report
3. Report of standing committees
4. Report of special committees
5. Unfinished business
6. New business
7. Adjournment
ARTICLE XI
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Section 1. Special committees may be appointed by the President for the purpose within the best interest of the club. These will be committees such as: Special Events, Auditing, Still Board Shoots, By-Laws, etc.
Section 2. The Auditing and Assessment Committee shall be appointed by the President at the close of each year, consisting of three members of the club, and it shall be their duty to examine the record of the Treasurer for their completeness and accuracy.
ARTICLE XII
LAKE AND LAND CONTROL
Section 1. Electric motors only will be allowed on boats used for either fishing or pleasure, except for the purpose of caring for the lake or treating the lake. Other motors may be used in the manner and at such times as may be approved by the Executive Committee.
Section 2. Tubes, rubber rafts, flat rafts, or rafts supported by the buoyant objects are not considered as a safe structure and are not allowed on the lake.
Section 3. All boats shall be stored in the designated areas. All boats must have a life preserver for each occupant. ALL CHILDREN under 18 years old must have a life preserver on AT ALL TIMES.
Section 4. There shall be absolutely no swimming or wading in the lake at any time and it will be posted by the lake to that effect. Loading/Unloading boats or kayaks will not be considered wading.
Section 5. Fishing in the Lake shall be restricted to members only.
Section 6. No fish or fish food or treatment materials or chemicals shall be put in the lake unless sanctioned by the Executive Board/Committee.
Section 7. All state fish and game laws will be enforced on club property.
Section 8. Wildlife and natural growth are to be protected and conserved. There shall be no cutting or removal of trees, or shrubs, or planting of same, no clearing of land or undergrowth unless approved by the Executive Board/Committee. Approved areas may be maintained clear by mowing without further approvals except, the Executive Board/Committee may change or withdraw approved areas in the interest of conservation and reasonable use and enjoyment of the property.
ARTICLE XIII
CAMPING, PICNIC AREAS AND OTHER FACILITIES
Section 1. Dogs/animals must be kept on a leash and not running free. This rule is to protect the other campers as well as the dog owner.
A. If a dog/animal causes any damage or hurts another dog or person, the owner will be liable for all costs for damages and injuries.
B. If a dog/animal gets loose, you must get it contained immediately.
C. If seen off leash, first offense is a verbal warning.
D. The second offense is a written notice.
E. After the 3rd warning, the dog/animal will be barred from campground.
F. If seen after the 3rd warning, Animal Control will be called.
G. If animal abuse or neglect is seen, the member will receive a notice. Animal Control will be contacted immediately if the situation is observed a second time.
Section 2. Only members may use camping and picnic facilities. Guests may visit members’ sites up to 3 times. Third time they must become a member.
Section 3. Members who choose to stay all season will pay extra lot rent which is due the 1st of every month. If not paid by the 12th, the electricity will be shut off unless other arrangements are made with the Executive Board.
Section 4. Shelters and tables are available to picnickers and campers alike.
Section 5. Camping is permitted only in designated areas as approved by the Executive Board and Campground Committee.
Section 6. Only hand digging is allowed in the campground.
A. It must be approved by the Executive Board/Committee first.
B. If something is damaged, you are responsible, not Decatur County Conservation Club.
C. Anything put in the ground belongs to the club if you leave. If you leave, you must take everything.
Section 7. There shall be no fee charged to members for the use of picnicking, shelters, fishing, shooting or club facilities except for organized shoots. The clubhouse and camping may be subject to fees and rules as may be prescribed by the Executive Board/Committee as other rules are adopted.
Section 8. Areas or facilities used are to be kept clean of litter and waste and left clean by members using the same. Sewage dumping is not permitted. Campers are responsible for wiring, plumbing, and holding tanks for their campers. There is a dump station at the restrooms for your holding tank to be dumped.
Section 9. Organizations or groups which include non-members may obtain permission from the Executive Committee to use the Club facilities, except the lake, for a fee to be determined by the Executive Board/ Committee.
Section 10. No hunting is permitted at any time on the Club property.
ARTICLE XIV
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These By-Laws of the Decatur County Conservation Club shall not be amended except by majority vote of all members present at the vote. Notice of intent to amend the by-laws shall be posted. A By-laws committee is to be appointed by the President. Amendments will be read after the committee has submitted updates. Any changes suggested will be reviewed. A revised set of proposed amendments will then be read at the next meeting. The amendments will be read at two more meetings and at that point put to a vote. If they are not approved by the majority of members present at the meeting it will then go back to the table of the committee.
Section 2. These By-Laws revised this 28th day of December 2024 shall be the only valid and binding By-Laws governing the management and operation of the Decatur County Conservation Club. All previous copies of the By-Laws become null and void as of the above date.
Section 3. Each member shall be furnished a printed copy of these By-Laws with initial membership paid dues receipt.