Trout Lake Trail Riders By-Laws
(DRAFT)

Article I: Name of Organization

The Name of this organization shall be called Trout Lake Trail Riders (the “Club”).

Article II: Object & Purpose of Organization

• To encourage, develop and enhance safe ORV riding, and outdoor recreation.
• To reduce the burden on the MDNR, USFS and other agencies to maintain safe and enjoyable ORV trails.
• To assist local authorities and law enforcement agencies, as needed, in times of emergency.
• In general, to have all powers granted to corporations and not prohibited by law, for the accomplishment of the stated purpose.

Article III: Membership

Section 1: Admission to Membership

All individuals and businesses interested in furthering the sport of ORV riding may become members upon application and payment of annual dues as established by the Officers of the Club.

Section 2: Membership Year

The annual membership year for all members shall run from April 1st through March 31st.

Section 3: Classes of Membership

The Club shall have three (3) classes of membership:

• Founding Member: The individuals who started the Club shall be deemed the Founding Members and shall be required to pay the same annual membership fee as Individual Members.
• Individual Member: The Officers of the Club shall set the annual fee for an Individual membership
• Business Member: The Officers of the Club shall set the annual fee for a Business membership

Article IV: Meetings

Section 1: Monthly Meetings

Between April and October each year, the Officers of the Club shall meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 9:00 am at the Trout Lake Township Hall, or any other designated time and/or location as determined by the elected officers of the Club. Monthly meetings shall be open to all Club members.

Section 2: Fiscal Year and Annual Meeting

The Club’s fiscal year shall be from January 1st through December 31st. The Annual Meeting shall be held on the 2nd Saturday of October at 9:00 am at the Trout Lake Township Hall, or any other designated time and/or location as determined by the Officers of the Club, each year.

Article V: Officers

Section 1: Officers

The Officers of the Club shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Trustee.

Section 2: Eligibility for Election

• Each Founding Member shall be eligible for election as an Officer of the Club provided he/she is a member in good standing.
• All other members of the Club shall be eligible for election as an Officer of the Club after 4 years as a member in good standing, unless a member not meeting this qualification is approved by a majority vote of the Founding Members in good standing at that time

Section 3: Election and Tenure

The Officers of the Club shall be elected at the Annual Meeting in each even numbered year upon nomination and selection by ballot or voice vote by membership. Each officer shall hold office for two consecutive years.

Section 4: Removal

Any Officer elected by the membership may be removed for any reason deemed sufficient by the membership by a three-quarter vote of members. Officers subject to removal shall be served written notice of at least fifteen (15) days prior to the next scheduled meeting, at which time he/she may present a case against removal.

Section 5: Vacancies

A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, or otherwise, may be filled by vote of Club membership for the expired portion of the term at the meeting following the occurrence of the vacancy.

Section 6: President

The President shall be the principal executive officer of the Club and shall, in general, supervise and control all of the business and affairs of the Club. The President shall preside at all meetings. The President shall perform all duties incident to the office of the President.

Section 7: Vice President

In the absence of the President, or in the event of inability or refusal to act, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President and when so acting, shall have all powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the President.

Section 8: Secretary

The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the membership, and shall preserve, in books of the Club, true minutes of the proceedings of all such meetings. The Secretary shall also perform the following:

• Give all notices required by statute, by-laws or resolution
• Keep a correct roll of all members and affiliated organizations with their addresses
• Attend to the proper publication of all reports
• Attest documents
• Perform all duties incident to the office of the Secretary
• Perform all other duties assigned by the President.

Section 9: Treasurer

The Treasurer shall have custody of all Club (Corporation) funds and securities and shall keep, in books belonging to the Club, full and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The Treasurer shall also perform the following:

• Deposit all money, securities and other valuable effects in the name of the Club in such depositories as may be designated, by the Membership, for that purpose.
• Disburse the funds of the Club ONLY by checks signed by him/her and one (1) other Club Officer (President or Vice President).
• Render to the President and membership, at the Annual Meeting, and whenever requested, an account of all transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Club.

Article VI: Club Expenditures

Funds shall be expended for all trail development and maintenance, i.e., trail brushing, culvert installation, bridge installation and maintenance, equipment purchase and maintenance, and sign installation and maintenance, and other Club activities upon majority vote of the Officers of the Club.

Article VII: Dissolution of Club Assets

Section 1: Dissolution of the Club

If, at any time, the Trout Lake Trail Riders Club no longer exists for the purposes and objectives set forth its Articles of Incorporation, including, but not limited to, its continued existence as a non-profit entity, the Club will hereby be dissolved.

Section 2: Disposition of Club Assets

At the time of dissolution of the Club, any and all assets shall immediately be conveyed to either the Township of Trout Lake or another non-profit entity named at the discretion of the Officers of the Club at the last meeting.

Article VIII: Amendments

These by-laws may be amended at any meeting of the members by a vote of a majority of the members present, providing a quorum of club officers are present. Notwithstanding the foregoing, these by-laws may not be amended within the first five years unless a majority of the Founding Members also votes in favor of the amendment(s).