Iroquois County Amateur Radio 147.030+ and 444.625+ - Meetings 2nd Thursday at the Red Cross Office in Watseka, IL

Pres. Carl opened the meeting at 7:15 pm at Red Cross office in Watseka.  The Nov minutes were read and approved.  The treasure’s report was read and approved.

Old Business

The 2 meter repeater is having some noise that appears with a strong wind.  Carl and others thought that we might be looking at a new antenna in the future.

Our liability insurance policy is coming up for renewal in Dec and it appears that we could get more coverage with the same premium.  Sam will talk to Kyle about it.

Mike made a motion to vote on the proposed constitution and by-laws.  Benny made a second.  The motion to approve the new constitution and by-laws was approved by a unanimous vote.  Carl will investigate some changes for a later meeting.

New Business

The January meeting will include a club paid pizza party.  We will order carry out from local pizza joint.

The repeater has a different sound after the ice storm.  Benny and Sam will try to find the reason.

We discussed the need for a license test session and will try to have one on Jan 23 at the Red Cross office in Watseka.  We have 3 potential persons to test.

Dues are due for 2008 and many members have paid

Net Control  for Dec 17 Tim, Dec 24 no Net, Dec 31 no net, Jan 7 Brian

Snacks for tonight’s meeting were provided by Phil.

Program was a film on a Dxpedition to VP8SSI to South Sandwich Island.

Carl made a very interesting presentation on his recent dxpedition to Montserrat.

Members present Carl, Chris, Mike, Benny, Phil, Keith, Tim, Janet ,Troy, and Sam. 

Sam Ripple W9QKF  Sec

To address the issue that has been raised regarding the number of board members, I suggest that Article 3, paragraph 3 be changed to read:

“The Board of Directors shall consist of seven (7) members and shall include the elected officers of ICARC: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer; the immediate Past President: and two (2) elected board members.  In the event that the offices of Secretary and Treasurer are held by the same person, one additional board member shall be elected.”

If we agree on this amendment, it would need to be posted on the ICARC website no later than Jan 14 and would need to be presented, in writing, to members present at the January meeting. 

Carl -K9CS

Approved December 13, 2007

Article I - Preamble

1. We, amateur radio operators of the Iroquois County, Illinois area, wishing to secure for ourselves the pleasures and benefits of the association of persons commonly interested in amateur radio, constitute ourselves the “Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club,” (ICARC) and enact this constitution as our governing law. The objectives of this organization are: promotion of interest in amateur radio communications and experimentation; education of prospective amateur radio operators; public service to the community; to promote radio knowledge; the exchange of information and cooperation among members; and to conduct club programs and activities as to advance the general interest and welfare of amateur radio in the community.

2. ICARC is a non-profit organization founded in 1964 by a group of amateur radio operators to promote the interests of amateur radio and provide public service communications in Iroquois County, Illinois and the surrounding area.

Article II - Membership

1. All persons interested in amateur radio communications shall be eligible for membership:

a. Full membership is available for licensed amateur radio operators.

b. Associate membership is open to all other persons.

2. Membership shall be by written application and election upon such terms as the club shall provide in it’s By-Laws.

3. Members with paid-up dues for the current year shall be considered members in good standing.

Article III - Board of Directors

1. The Board of Directors shall be the governing body of ICARC and as such shall formulate and be responsible for all matters of policy. Decisions of the Board of Directors shall be by majority vote of a quorum of the board present at any meeting where such votes may be taken, unless a greater majority is specifically required by this document.

2. All members of the Board of Directors shall be full members in good standing.

3. The Board of Directors shall consist of a maximum of seven (7) members and shall include the elected officers of ICARC: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer; the immediate past President; and two elected board members.

4. The Board of Directors and Officers shall be elected annually for a term of one (1) year.

5. Any board member may be removed from the board with or without cause by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members of ICARC.

6. Any board member who shall have three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from board meetings may be removed from office as determined by the board.

7. Any board member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the board.

8. Vacancies on the board occurring between elections shall be filled by appointment of the board and shall be ratified by a majority vote of members present at the next regular meeting. Board members appointed and ratified by the membership shall serve the remainder of the term of the member replaced.

9. No member of the board shall receive compensation for any service he or she may render to the club. However, board members may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of official club duties.

Article IV - Officers

1. Officers of ICARC shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, who, by virtue of their office, shall be members of the Board of Directors. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by one individual simultaneously.

2. A vacancy in any office shall be filled by appointment by the board. Such appointments shall be ratified by a majority vote of members present at the next regular meeting. Officers appointed and ratified by the membership shall serve the remainder of the term of the officer replaced.

3. Special Appointments - The board may appoint other officers as the affairs of ICARC may require, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as the board may, from time to time, determine.

Article V - Duties of Officers

1. President - The president shall preside at all meetings of ICARC and conduct same according to the rules adopted. He or she shall enforce observance of the constitution and by-laws; decide all questions of order; sign all official documents that are adopted by the Club; with concurrence of the Board of Directors, appoint necessary committees; and perform all customary duties pertaining to the office of president.

2. Vice President - The vice president shall assume all duties of the president in his or her absence. The Vice President shall conduct an accurate inventory of all club property no later than the last day of February each year, and shall maintain such inventory during the remainder of the year. He or she shall perform additional duties as specified by the president and/or the Board of Directors.

3. Secretary - The secretary shall keep a written record of the proceedings of all meetings of ICARC. He shall keep such records as required by the president and/or the Board of Directors; prepare all club correspondence as directed by the president; and maintain attendance records of all meetings.

4. Treasurer - The treasurer shall be responsible for the accurate accounting of all ICARC funds received and/or disbursed. He or she shall receive all monies paid to ICARC and shall disburse funds as authorized by the president and the Board of Directors. The treasurer shall maintain the official roster of all ICARC members and shall receive dues and membership applications. All monies received shall be deposited in ICARC’s account at the Iroquois Federal Savings and Loan Association.

Article VI - Meetings

1. The By-Laws shall provide for regular and special meetings and shall specify quorum requirements for the transaction of business.

2. The annual meeting of ICARC shall be held during the month of December each year.

Article VII - Elections

1. Elections for the Board of Directors and Officers shall be held at the annual meeting in December of each year.

2. Full members of ICARC in good standing shall be eligible to vote for members of the Board of Directors and Officers.

3. Voting for members of the Board of Directors and Officers shall be by secret ballot and each voter may vote for: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and two board members.

4. The Board of Directors shall determine the method of voting to be used in an election: voting in-person, voting by mail, or voting by mail in conjunction with in-person voting.

Article VIII - Committees

1. The Board of Directors shall form a Nomination and Election committee not less than sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting for the purpose of selecting candidates and supervising the election. The committee shall consist of at least three (3) members, one of which shall be a member of the Board of Directors.

2. The Board of Directors may establish other such committees as are necessary to meet the objectives of the club.

Article IX - Dues

1. The club, by a majority vote of a quorum of the membership at any regular meeting, shall levy dues as deemed necessary for the business of the organization.

2. Non-payment of such dues shall be cause for termination of membership from ICARC.

Article X - Funds

1. No part of the earnings of the club shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the club shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth above. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles the club shall not carry on any activities not permitted by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Article XI - Amendments

1. This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority at a regular meeting, provided all members have been notified of the intent to amend the Constitution at said meeting.

2. Proposed amendments to the Constitution shall be published on the ICARC web site at least 30 days prior to calling for a vote at a regular meeting and shall be distributed to all members attending the regular meeting prior the regular meeting where the vote on the amendments shall be taken.

Article XII - Dissolution

1. ICARC may be dissolved with the assent given in writing and signed by not less than three-fourths (3/4) of its members in good standing.

2. In the event any reason arises to dissolve the organization of ICARC, the existing property and any funds owned by the club shall be disposed of in the following manner:

a. Any equipment may be offered for purchase, or transferred to an organization with similar interests by majority vote of the membership.

b. Monies held in the treasury or gained by the disposal of property will be allocated to an organization with similar interests, by a majority vote of the membership.

Article XIII - Transition

1. Upon approval of this Constitution a special election shall be held to elect two (2) members as Directors. The previously elected officers, the immediate past president, and the newly elected directors shall serve as the Board of Directors until the election at the next annual meeting.

Approval

We, the undersigned officers of the Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club, certify that this Constitution was approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of all members at a regular meeting on December 13, 2007. With this approval, the former Constitution of the Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club is replaced in its entirety with this document effective the 14th day of December, 2007..

/s/

______________________________________
Carl Schroeder, K9CS, President

/s/

______________________________________
Michael Marcier, KC9HHT, Vice President

/s/

______________________________________
Samuel Ripple, W9QKF, Secretary-Treasurer

Approved December 13, 2007

Article I - Membership

1. Membership in the Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club (ICARC) is open to all persons having an interest in amateur radio communications.

2. Membership is by calendar year: January 1 through December 31 of each year.

3. Application for membership shall be submitted to the treasurer on the ICARC membership application form provided by the club, accompanied by the appropriate dues.

4. Annual renewal of membership shall be by payment of the appropriate dues not later than January 31 of each year. Members failing to renew their membership by March 31 of each year shall be removed from the ICARC membership roster.

5. Membership shall be in one of the following categories:

a. Full membership: open to licensed amateur radio operators.b. Student membership: open to licensed amateur radio operators who are full-time students and are less than nineteen (19) years of age.

c. Senior membership: open to licensed amateur radio operators who are at least seventy (70) years of age.

d. Associate membership: open to all other persons with an interest in amateur radio communications.

e. Honorary membership: an individual recognized as a long-term significant contributor in meeting the objectives of the club may be designated as an Honorary member by majority vote of the Board of Directors.

6. Members with paid-up dues for the current year shall be considered members in good standing.

7. Full members in good standing shall enjoy all club privileges with the rights to hold club office and to vote for club directors and officers.

8. Senior members shall enjoy all rights and privileges of full membership.

9. Honorary members and Associate members in good standing shall enjoy all club privileges except the right to vote and to hold club office.

10. Membership privileges include, but are not limited to: participation in club events, serving on club committees, and recognition as a club member on the ICARC web site membership roster.

Article II - Dues

1. Dues shall be assessed as follows:

a. Individual membership: $30.00 per year. Dues for members joining after January 1 shall be prorated at the rate of $2.50 per month.

b. Family membership: $45.00 per year. (includes primary member; spouse; and any children under 19 years of age living at home.

c. Student membership: $10.00 per year. (Full-time student under 19 years of age.

d. Senior membership: $10.00 per year. (Senior citizens over 70 years of age.

e. Honorary membership: exempt from dues.

Article III - Funds

1. No part of the net earnings of the club shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to it’s members, directors, officers, or to other private persons, except that the club shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payment and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the Constitution of the Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the club shall not carry on any activities not permitted by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Article IV - Committees

1. The Board of Directors shall establish the following committees to meet the objectives of the club. The Board may establish additional committees as deemed necessary to meet the objectives of the club.

a. Nomination and Election Committee - This committee shall consist of at least three (3) members, one of which shall be a member of the Board of Directors. The duties of this committee shall be to select candidates for election to the Board of Directors and as Officers and to organize and execute all election activities. At each election the number of candidates selected may be as many as deemed necessary by the committee, but in no case shall it be less than the number of board members and officers to be elected.

b. Technical Committee - The Technical Committee shall oversee, manage, and administrate all club repeater and radio assets.

2. The President and Vice President shall be ex officio members of all committees.

Article V - Special Appointments

1. The following offices shall be established to serve the needs of the club. The appointees to these offices shall be members in good standing of ICARC and shall serve such term, and perform such duties as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, determine. The Board may make other special appointments, as deemed necessary, to further the interests of the club.

a. ARES Liaison - He or she shall maintain close liaison with the Iroquois County ARES Emergency Coordinator to further club participation in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service.

b. Red Cross Liaison - He or she shall maintain close liaison with the Iroquois County Chapter of the American Red Cross to further the club’s ability for provide communications for the Red Cross.

c. ESDA Liaison - He or she shall maintain close liaison with the Iroquois County ESDA Coordinator to enhance the club’s ability to provide emergency communications assistance and severe weather spotting (Skywarn) activities.

d. VE Liaison - He or she shall organize, plan, and execute license testing activities and further club participation in ARRL/VEC.

Article VI - Meetings

1. Regular Meetings - Regular meetings of ICARC will be held monthly at a time and place designated by the Board of Directors. The presence of one-third (1/3) of the members, at least one of which shall be the President or the Vice President, shall constitute a quorum required for the transaction of business at a regular meeting.

2. Annual Meetings - The December meeting shall be the Annual Meeting of ICARC. In addition to normal business, officers and board members shall be elected for the coming year. Also, members shall be presented with reviews of the financial condition of ICARC; and accomplishments of the past year; The presence of one-third (1/3) of the members, at least one of which shall be the President or the Vice President, shall constitute a quorum required for the election and transaction of business at the annual meeting.

3. Board Meetings - The Board of Directors shall meet monthly at a time and place designated by the President. The presence of three (3) members of the board, at least one of which shall be the president or vice president, shall constitute a quorum required for the transaction of business a board meeting.

4. Special Meetings - Special meetings may be called by the president or upon the request of two (2) or members. Members must be given a minimum of 48 hours advance notice of a special meeting.

Article VII - Election Procedures

1. The Board of Directors shall form the Nomination and Election Committee prior to the October regular meeting. At the October regular meeting the committee shall announce the upcoming elections and solicit input form those members that may be interested in becoming a candidate for the Board of Directors or an officer of the club.

2. At the November regular meeting the Nomination and Election Committee shall present it’s slate of candidates nominated for each office. Nominations from the floor shall then be opened. Any member in good standing may nominate qualified candidates for any office. A member in good standing must second the nomination. Nominated candidates must indicate whether they accept the nomination. When nominated, seconded and accepted, the candidates name shall be added to the slate of nominees.

3. The election for Board of Directors and Officers shall be conducted at the Annual Meeting in December.

4. Voting for members of the Board of Directors and Officers shall be by secret ballot and each member may vote for: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and two board members.

5. If the Board of Directors has determined that voting by mail shall be a method of voting, ballots shall be sent by the secretary to each member in good standing not more than thirty (30) days and not less than fifteen (15) days before the date set for the election. Ballots shall instruct members to seal their ballot in an unmarked envelope and then place the sealed envelope into a larger envelope along with a signed paper, provided by the secretary, identifying the member whose ballot is contained in the sealed inner envelope. Ballots may be delivered to the secretary in person or by mail. Upon receiving the ballots, the secretary shall open the outer envelope, remove the identification paper and record which members have voted. The identification paper and the outer envelope shall then be separated from the ballot envelope. The sealed ballot envelope shall then be retained by the secretary until it is opened on the election date.

6. If the Board of Directors has determined that in-person voting shall be a method voting, members voting in person at the annual meeting may obtain a ballot from the secretary at the annual meeting provided that the secretary’s record does not indicate that the member has voted by mail.

7. When voting in-person and voting by mail are used in conjunction, completed mail ballots must be delivered to the secretary before the election. In-person ballots shall be identifiable by color or other means to ensure that mail ballots are not used for in-person voting.

8. A member of the Nomination and Election committee, the current secretary, and one member of the club who is not running for election shall open and count the ballots and certify the election results.

9. The secretary shall retain all ballots for forty five (45) days following an election. If the election is not contested, the ballots shall be destroyed at the end of the 45 day period.

10. The candidates for each office, president. vice president, secretary, treasurer, with the most votes shall be deemed elected, and the two candidates for the Board of Directors with the most votes shall be deemed elected.

11. The elected Officers and Board of Directors shall take office effective January 1 of the following year.

Article VIII - Amendments

1. These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote at a regular meeting, provided all members have been notified of the intent to amend the By-Laws at said meeting.

2. Proposed amendments to the By-Laws shall be published on the ICARC web site at least 30 days prior to calling for a vote at a regular meeting and shall be distributed to all members attending the regular meeting the month preceding the regular meeting at which the vote on the proposed amendments shall be taken.

Approval

We, the undersigned officers of the Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club, certify that these By-Laws were approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of members present at a regular meeting on December 13, 2007. With this approval, the former By-Laws of the Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club are replaced in their entirety with this document effective the 1st day of January 2008.

/s/

________________________________________
Carl Schroeder, K9CS, President

________________________________________
/s/ Michael Marcier, KC9HHT, Vice President

/s/

____________________________________
Sam Ripple, W9QKF, Secretary - Treasurer

Twenty-five Chamber members and guests attended the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce Business Before Hours on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at the Iroquois County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Darcey Smith, Executive Director for the Chamber, began by welcoming all members. Smith noted that the Chamber is sponsoring several upcoming events and registration forms are available for each of them: Ladies Night Out, the annual Christmas Parade, and the upcoming “How To Be A Trade Show Pro” seminar. All registration forms are available at the Chamber office.

Smith, then, introduced Joan Goodwine, executive director of the American Red Cross of Iroquois County. Goodwine spoke of the many services offered through the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross offers disaster relief services for emergency situations in Iroquois County. In case of a disaster emergency, the Red Cross will start a shelter, register victims at the shelter, and provide RN services at that shelter. They will also provide child care services at the shelter.

The American Red Cross provides community assistances through community services, health and safety services, military services, and the blood mobile. Goodwine spoke about the many volunteers the organization requires to carry out the services they offer. On hand were volunteers Judy Hudgens, Thelma Raymer, Shirley Roach, Sam Ripple, and Cathi VanNatta.

The American Red Cross gave away an emergency first aid kit as a door prize which was won by Dick Arie of FTH Insurance. Cheryl Bohlmann of Main Street Gifts won the Chamber’s 50/50 drawing.

Business Before Hours is a program of the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce, designed to provide networking opportunities for area businesses and organizations, as well as to help promote the community through the success of its members. For more information about Chamber activities, contact the Chamber office at 815-432-2416.