ARTICLE I NAME
The name of the organization shall be Bear Lake Watershed Alliance, a non-profit organization located in Manistee County.
ARTICLE II PURPOSE
The organization is organized exclusively for the educational and scientific purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
The BLWA mission statement is:
To preserve, protect and improve the health and natural character of the Bear Lake watershed by developing goals and implementing privately and governmentally funded action plans in cooperation with our community of stakeholders.
ARTICLE III STAKEHOLDERS AND MEMBERSHIP
All residents and property owners within the boundaries of the Bear Lake watershed are key stakeholders in this organization. Additionally, local business proprietors, outside government entities, downstream watersheds, and other organizations and citizens have a stake in the success of Bear Lake Watershed Alliance’s mission.
Membership in this watershed organization shall be open to all stakeholders who reside in, own property, have an interest in, or operate a business entity located within the Bear Lake watershed and are interested in supporting the organization’s purpose. Members in good standing who have paid their dues by the required deadline will have the privilege of one vote per paid membership.
ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP DUES
Membership dues are established by the Board upon the recommendation of the Treasurer for the upcoming year. The membership and fiscal year begins on July 1st and ends on June 30th. Dues must be paid by June 30th.
ARTICLE V THE BOARD
The membership shall elect officers annually on a rotation basis of two officers each year (beginning in 2011) and shall delegate the control and management of the affairs and business of this organization to the four officers: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The elected officers have the authority to conduct operational tasks such as accepting donations, procurement of services, payment of bills, etc. The Board must have a quorum of 3 of 4 members present to conduct business. In the event of a tie vote, appointed committee heads may vote.
The Board will meet regularly to gather information, consider proposals and decide on actions. Board meetings are open to the entire membership and the public.
A vacancy of an officer occurring at any time after their election may be filled by a majority vote of the Board for the remainder of the term.
ARTICLE VI RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS
The President shall preside at all membership meetings, shall set the agenda and appoint all committees, temporary or permanent. The President shall have such powers as may be reasonably construed as belonging to the chief executive of any organization.
The Vice President shall, in the event of the absence or inability of the President to exercise the office, serve as the acting president of the organization with all the rights, privileges and powers, as if the duly elected president.
The Treasurer shall have the care and custody of all monies belonging to the organization and shall be solely responsible for such monies or securities of the organization, the treasurer must sign the checks or drafts of the organization, except when they are unavailable, the president or a second person appointed by the Board may sign.
The Secretary shall be responsible for all correspondence and minutes at all meetings of the Board or the general membership meetings. The Secretary shall see that all books, reports and certificates required by law are properly kept or filed.
ARTICLE VII OFFICER SALARIES
The BLWA is a voluntary organization and as such does not provide salaries or financial compensation for officers or committees.
ARTICLE VIII MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the Board shall be held in person or via distance methods, such as telephone, as needed. An annual meeting of the entire membership will be designated each July at which elections will take place.
ARTICLE IX VOTING AT MEETINGS
Membership votes will be conducted for purposes of election of officers, amendments of by-laws, or dissolution of the organization. A 30 day written notice via physical or electronic communication to all members shall be made for any agenda item that requires a vote. Decisions will be made based on the majority vote of the members in good standing who are in attendance at the meeting, unless otherwise noted in the by-laws.
ARTICLE X ELECTION PROCESS
The officers of the organization shall be as follows: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Each will be elected for two year terms (after an initial 3 year term for President and Secretary). The resulting staggered election periods may contribute to stability in the organization.
A nomination committee shall be formed prior to the annual meeting and will seek to fill a slate of candidates each year (starting in 2011). Nominations can also be made from the floor at the annual meeting.
ARTICLE XI COMMITTEES
The BLWA may establish committees as necessary to conduct long-term activities within the organization. The committee heads must be nominated by the President and confirmed by a majority vote of the Board officers. Without term limits, the committee heads serve at the pleasure of the Alliance President. Task forces may be formed as necessary to conduct short-term activities or projects within the organization that supports the BLWA mission.
ARTICLE XII DISSOLUTION OF THE WATERSHED ALLIANCE
Dissolution of the Watershed Alliance may be decided at any annual meeting of the BLWA by a three fourths majority of the membership present at the meeting. A 30 day written notice via e-mail shall be made for a vote of dissolution.
Upon the dissolution of the BLWA, all assets remaining will be donated to an organization active in Manistee County, Michigan, as selected by the most votes of the membership, that meets 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENTS
Amendments to by-laws can be considered at any meeting of the general membership with a 30 day meeting notice and agenda through 2010. Thereafter, amendments to by-laws will only be considered at the annual meeting with a 30 day meeting notice and agenda.