BUFFALO COUNTY ARES

Kearney, Nebraska

CONSTITUTION

April 2006

 

Preamble:

We, the undersigned, wishing to secure for ourselves the pleasures and benefits of an association of persons commonly interested in ARES, Amateur Radio Emergency Service, constitute ourselves as the Buffalo County ARES name and enact this constitution as our governing law.  It shall be our purpose to aid in Emergency Services, Weather Spotting and provide Public Service communications in Buffalo County, Kearney and other area counties needing assistance on a mutual aid basis.  Our other stated purposes are the exchange of information and cooperation between members, to promote ARES operating efficiency and to conduct programs, training and activities to advance the general interest of the public in ARES and Amateur Radio in the community.

 Membership: Article 1

 All licensed FCC amateur radio operators interested in ARES, Amateur Radio Emergency Service are eligible for membership.  Membership shall be made by ARES application to the ARRL Emergency Coordinator (EC) or one of the Assistant Emergency Coordinators (AEC).

 Officers: Article 2

Sec. 1. The officers of Buffalo County ARES shall be President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer.

Sec. 2. The officers of this ARES shall be elected for a term of one year by ballot of the members. Officers may run for a second term, but no more than two years holding an office. Than they must exclude them selves for one year before being eligible to run for an office again.  Elected officers must be members in good standing in the club and have been a member for one year prior to running for an office.

Sec.3. Voting will be by secret ballot for officers, one vote per member.  Absentee ballots will be accepted for voting of officers of the ARES, in a manner proscribed by the officers.

 

Sec. 4. Vacancies occurring between elections must be filled by special elections at the first regular meeting following the withdrawal or resignation by the officer.

Sec. 5. Officers may be removed by a three-fourths vote of the ARES membership.

Sec. 6.  Term of office for officers shall be from May 1st through April 30th of each year.  Election shall be held at the April meeting.  Nominations shall be made at the March meeting.

Duties of Officers: Article 3

Sec. 1. The President shall preside at all meetings, and conduct them according to the rules adopted. He/She shall enforce due observance of this Constitution and By-Laws; decide all questions of order; sign all official documents adopted by the Buffalo County ARES and perform all other duties pertaining to the office of President.

Sec. 2. The Vice-President shall assume all the duties of the President in his/her absence from general membership meetings.

Sec. 3. The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep a record of the proceeding of all meetings, and keep a complete registration record of members. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible for submitting all necessary filings to the ARRL and other organizations, including any yearly reports. A monthly meeting report, minutes and financial report shall be read in addition to any other pertinent communications at each meeting;

The Secretary-Treasurer shall also receive and receipt for all monies paid to the Buffalo County ARES.  An accurate account of all monies received and extended will be maintained; pay no bills without proper authorization (approval by the membership at regular meetings, or by the ARES officers in an emergency situation).  Voting approval of payments shall be by simple majority of the present members at a regular meeting, or simple majority of the officers, in an emergency situation.  At each meeting a financial report on all money received and paid since the last meeting shall be made. At the end of his/her term he/she shall turn over everything in his/her possession belonging to the Buffalo County ARES to his/her successor.

ARRL Emergency Coordinator or EC:

This is an appointed position of the Nebraska Section Manager and Section Emergency Coordinator of the ARRL.  His/her duty will be to organize all Emergency and Public Service amateur radio communications efforts and alerts in the County.  The EC may appoint as many AEC as needed for ARES.  A training office may also be appointed by the EC for ARES training. All ARES members during any ARES activation or alert are under the direction of the EC or designated AEC.  The EC will keep a roster of all members and their available equipment, phone numbers and address where members can be readily notified for ARES Emergency and Public Service alerts. 

 

Meetings: Article 4

The By-Laws shall provide for regular and special meeting. At meetings a minimum of one third of the membership present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Dues: Article 5

The Buffalo County ARES, by majority vote of those present at any regular meeting, may levy upon general membership such dues or assessment as shall be deemed necessary for the business of the ARES organization. Non-payment of such dues or assessments shall be cause for expulsion from the Buffalo County ARES within the discretion of the membership.

 Amendments: Article 6

 The constitution or By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the total membership. Proposals for amendment shall be submitted in writing at a regular meeting and shall be voted on at the next following regular meeting, provided all members have been notified by email or a phone call of the intent to amend the constitutions and/or By-Laws at said meeting.

 By-Laws:

 Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the constitution and By-Laws of the Buffalo County ARES and have the same with him/her at every meeting. He/she shall note all amendments, changes and additions on the constitution and shall permit it to be consulted by members upon request.  New members of the club shall be provided with a current copy of the constitution and bylaws upon attending their first regular meeting.

 Membership.   Full membership is open to licensed amateurs interested in ARES.    Full membership includes all ARES privileges as well as rights to hold an office and to vote for officers. 

 Meetings.  Regular meeting shall be held on second Saturday of every other month, or more often if desired or needed.  The President, EC or AEC may call special meetings.  Notices shall be sent to members concerning special meetings and the business to be transacted.  Such notices shall be sent so that they arrive not less than 24 hours before the meeting.  Notices can be given by phone, email, mail or Buffalo County ARES nets held weekly.

 Dues.  A regular yearly assessment of $20.00 per member is hereby assessed in accordance with the provisions of Article V of the constitution for the purpose of

providing funds for expenses. The annual membership fee is due on January 10th  of each year. They become delinquent if unpaid on February 10Th. The Buffalo County EC will present the paid members with a new ARES membership card to be current for the year and will be able to help with all ARES related Events and Alerts for that calendar year.

“ARES® is a program of the American Radio Relay League -- our club will abide by the Rules and Regulations of the ARRL’s Field Organization as they may be amended from time to time, and by ARRL policies, rules, and guidelines contained in ARRL publications.” 

 

 Approved by Buffalo County ARES:

 

April 22 2006

 

 Back