The name of the organization shall be “Wildwood Sailing Club”.
Article II
The objectives of the Wildwood Sailing Club are:
(a) To provide the facilities necessary to operate a sailing club for small boat sailors, canoeists, kayakers, board sailors and row boat rowers on the premises leased from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority at Wildwood Lake, Ontario. (b) To operate and maintain the club facilities and finances for the members, their families and guests as may be permitted by the club bylaws and/or membership rules. (c) To operate the club facilities through the co-operative efforts of the club's members at the most reasonable cost. (d) To promote boating and water safety in all of the club's boating activities. (e) To provide opportunities for the club members to compete with each other in sailing events, and to socialize with each other through use of the club facilities. (f) To raise funds through membership dues and other activities for the purpose of grounds and buildings maintenance, annual costs, and promoting club related activities. (g) To carry on the activities and traditions of the present, now incorporated, Wildwood Sailing Club which has operated at Wildwood Lake since 1967.
Article III
Membership
Membership is open to men and women over the age of 16 who own a sailboat, sailboard, kayak, canoe or rowboat. Social members are also allowed. Application forms for membership may be obtained from the club treasurer, or through the club website. Membership may be granted after the applicant has completed the application form, agreed to abide by the club rules, policies and by-laws, signed the release waivers and paid the Wildwood Sailing Club fees and applicable UTRCA boat fees. Membership rights include use of facilities and voting privileges at all membership meetings. One membership extends membership rights and voting rights to both spouses in a married or common-law relationship.
The Board of Directors has the power to refuse membership or revoke membership from the club of any person if in the opinion of the board; it is in the best interest of the club
Article IV
Board of Directors:
The affairs of the club shall be managed by a Board of Directors. It shall be composed of the following officers: Commodore: aka Chairperson Vice- Commodore: aka Vice Chairperson Past Commodore: Treasurer: Secretary: plus up to six (6) additional directors.
The Board shall be elected from among the membership at the Annual General Meeting for a term of 2 years. At that meeting the Board of Directors will present a slate of candidates for each position becoming vacant. Further nominations may be made by the members. Members directly elect the position of Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer and Information Officer. The vote may be conducted by a show of hands, or ballot. When there are more directors nominated than there are open positions, a ballot will be required. Each member may cast a vote for up to the number of positions available. The vote will be conducted by the outgoing board.
In the event of a resignation of Commodore, the Vice Commodore will assume the Commodore's position. In the event of the resignation of any other officer, the Board of Directors may appoint any member to that position until the next election of the Board of Directors.
The Duties and Responsibilities of the Board of Directors are:
(a) To pursue the objectives of the club as stated in Article II. (b) To prepare an annual budget through the Treasurer for presentation to and approval of the membership. (c) To seek membership approval. (d) To present annual reports to the membership at the Annual General Meeting. (e) To seek nominees for vacant Board of Directors positions. (f) To enter into lease agreements and contracts necessary for the operation of the sailing club. (g) To set club by-laws and enforce by-laws as necessary for the well being of the sailing club.
Article IV
Membership Meetings:
Meetings of the membership must be held at the club premises between April 1 and October 30. A quorum is not required. All meetings of the membership require a minimum of two weeks notice of the date and time, as well as the topics to be discussed. Notice shall be placed on the club bulletin board.
The Board of Directors shall call for an Annual General Meeting to be held once a year, no later than October 30 of each year.
At that meeting the Board of Directors will present a nomination report for Board of Directors positions becoming vacant. Further nominations may be made by the members. Members directly elect the position of Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer and Information Officer. The vote may be conducted by a show of hands, or ballot. When there are more directors nominated than there are open positions, a ballot will be required. Each member may cast a vote for up to the number of positions available. When membership involves a couple, both are members and each have voting rights. The vote will be conducted by the outgoing board. The outgoing Commodore is automatically acclaimed Past-Commodore.
Other business to be conducted at the Annual General Meeting includes presentation of the Information Officer Report, Financial Reports including audit reports, Membership Report, Property Report, announcement of any by-law changes and any other business brought forward by any member.
The Board of Directors shall call a meeting of the membership for approval of the annual budget, to be held no later than June 1st of that budget year.
Other membership meetings may be held as necessary at the call of the Board of Directors.
A Board of Directors Meeting is called by the Commodore. Meetings are open to the membership. However, portions of the meeting regarding legal issues, and information protected by privacy law may be held in camera.
Article V
Right to Assess Dues:
Annually, the Board of Directors shall present a budget and fee schedule necessary to fund club activities at a membership meeting. The budget and fees are subject to membership approval. The Board of Directors has the right to assess and collect fees, and impose fines as approved by the membership.
Article VI Amendment Process
The constitution may only be amended at a meeting duly called for that purpose by the board. Amendment requires approval by a minimum of two-thirds of the members present. Proposal to amend the constitution may be made by the board or by the membership. A minimum of thirty days notice of the meeting and the proposed amendment shall be posted on the club bulletin board.