Bylaws

From Gold Hills Posse 4x4 Club

Contents

I. Name

  1. The name of this organization shall be known as “The Gold Hills Posse 4x4 Club”


II. Purpose

  1. To unite those with a love of four-wheeling and other outdoor activities.
  2. Offer outings where friends, spouses and children can attend and feel welcome.
  3. Schedule runs rated “easy” to “difficult”, so that there is something for everybody.
  4. Share knowledge, experience and assist those new to four-wheeling.


III. Definitions

  1. Club Event – A Club Event shall be a planned event, which is on the official Posse 4x4 Club Calendar. An event is an activity that does not normally involve or require four-wheel drive usage.
  2. Planned Club Run – A Planned Club Run shall be a planned or unplanned activity where the usage of four-wheel drive is required. Planned events shall be posted on the official Posse 4x4 Club Calendar and members should be notified at least 30 days in advance.
  3. Unplanned Club Run – An Unplanned Club Run may or may not be posted on the official Posse 4x4 Club Calendar. Notification of the run should be posted either in the “Runs and Events” section of the club forum, an informal phone call to club members or via electronic mail notification. To be considered an official event, a minimum of four vehicles must be in attendance with a minimum of two club members in attendance.
  4. Club Dues / Membership Fees – A non-refundable fee that is required of all club member families. This fee shall be used to pay for expenses limited to club activities, fees, club-approved charitable donations and other miscellaneous costs associated with the club. Pre-approved expenditures may be reimbursed by submitting an original receipt to the Treasurer for payment. Club dues are collected at each January’s meeting.


IV. Membership

  1. Membership within “The Gold Hills Posse 4x4 Club” is open to owners of any four-wheel drive vehicle, with the limitation that the vehicle contains
  2. Minimum member age will be 21. Exceptions may be made for those over the age of 18 by a majority vote.


V. Official, Prospective & Associate Members

Official Members:

  1. Official membership is established after a Prospective Member (PM) attends at least three (3) Official runs and three (3) monthly meetings within a year’s time OR attends six (6) Official runs within a year’s time (one club event may be substituted for one of the six Official runs).
  2. After satisfying the above requirements, and confirming that the (PM) does indeed wish to be an Official member, a vote will take place (by Official members) to grant Official membership.
  3. The new Official member will receive their club decals, be granted priority in attending Posse runs and events (if attendance is limited), have voting rights (Board elections, etc.), motion rights (at meetings), and they may participate in forum “Poll” questions. Only Official members and Associate members may run club decals. Official members will be required to pass a vehicle-requirements check prior to receiving their decals. The vehicle requirements are outline in section 10, subsection 9.
  4. New Official members are required to host a BBQ for other Official members and Prospective members within two months of becoming Official. The BBQ may be held at the new member’s home, during a club run or at another location. Those attending should assist by bringing a side dish or dessert.
  5. Dues for Official Members are $20. Dues include the club membership fee, per family (non-refundable). CA4WD fees are required for active membership as well. Membership dues are paid separately, but must be current as part of the active-status requirement.
  6. New members joining after the January CA4WD renewal are required to obtain and maintain membership within Cal4Wheel within three months.
  7. The Gold Hills Posse encourages active participation by its’ members. To remain in active standing with the club, members are expected to attend 3 meetings, events or runs within six months. Exceptions will be made if formal notice has been given to the club for special leaves of absence.
  8. To maintain active member status, club members must attend one of the two trail maintenance runs each year. The club unanimously approved adopting a trail, and is now required to maintain it. Vehicles are not required for this run. Members can ride or walk for this event. Any Exception must be formally requested and may be granted one time (one year). These run dates are posted a minimum of 90 days in advance (by the Trail master), so attendees may schedule appropriately.
  9. Club members that have not maintained their active-status may be re-classified as an associate member at the discretion of the club and with a majority club vote.
  10. Club membership can be revoked at any time by a majority vote.
  11. Club Members are expected to behave in a responsible manner and project a positive image of the club.


Prospective Members:

  1. An individual or family shall be eligible to become a prospect upon attendance of two runs (planned or unplanned) and two club meetings within a 6-month period.
  2. An individual or family may become an official prospect after meeting the above qualifications and expressing continued interest in the club.
  3. An individual or family shall be required to pay the $20 club membership fee in order to be considered an official prospect.
  4. Prospective Members are expected to behave in a responsible manner and project a positive image of the club.


Associate Members:

  1. An Associate member is someone who wishes to attend club runs and/or events occasionally, but is unable (or has no desire) to get further involved with the functions or commitments of a club. Associate members are not considered active members and do not have club voting privileges.
  2. Official members may be either formally added as an Associate or formally invited to be an Associate.
  3. Associate members should check with club officials prior to attending any run or event (to confirm there aren’t too many vehicles already going, etc.)
  4. Associate members may request that their status be upgraded to Prospective or Official membership at any time after showing active participation.
  5. After attendance of 3 official club runs, Associates will be required to pay the non-refundable $20 fee for continued attendance in club functions.
  6. Club Associate Membership can be revoked at any time by a majority vote.
  7. Associate Members while participating in club related runs or events are expected to behave in a responsible manner and project a positive image of the club.


VI. Officers and Duties

  1. President – Should represent the Posse at 4WD related functions, performs as an emergency signatory for the club bank account, organizes and oversees monthly meetings, monitors Posse member activity at events/runs, and addresses problems if they occur. President will make final decisions (if present) on other issues as they occur (i.e. - outside requests for assistance, placing members on probationary status if they violate any rules or bylaws, etc.) After soliciting input from members, make final decisions on what "official" events/runs the Posse will participate in (and days/dates.) This position serves a one-year term.
  2. Vice President – May represent the Posse at 4WD related functions/meetings, monitor Posse member activity at events/runs, address problems if they occur, and is the secondary signature for the club’s bank account. If the President is not present, make final decisions on other issues as they occur (i.e. - outside requests for assistance, placing members on probationary status if they violate any rules or bylaws, etc.) They shall also oversee monthly club meetings if the President is unable to attend. The Vice President position also serves as the clubs’ representative at CA4WD meetings. This position serves a one-year term.
  3. Secretary/Treasurer – Open and maintains a checking account for the Gold Hills Posse 4x4 Club. Treasurer, President, and Vice President will have authority to write checks, but only after a majority of official members approve the expenditure. This position provides the club's account balance on a monthly basis, at the club meetings. Track and collect membership dues and collects proceeds from raffles and any other monetary donations. The Secretary/Treasurer is the primary signature on the club bank account. The Secretary/Treasurer also manages the club decal procurement and disbursement, under the direction of the President or Vice President. The position is responsible for taking the meeting minutes and providing the webmaster with a brief summary of the highlights for the web site (for those unable to attend.) At the request of the President/Vice President, calls members to advise them of important issues, short-notice events and check participation status. Coordinate items needed for food related get-togethers (and who's bringing what, etc...) This position carries a special term length as the position is only up for election every two years. (This position serves a two-year term and is up for election during odd-years)
  4. Trail Master - This position is responsible for maintaining the club’s relationship with the USFS, coordinating the two annual maintenance runs, and managing the replacement of trail signs due to vandalism or wear. The Trail Master also monitors Posse member activity at events/runs and addresses problems if they occur. This position serves a one-year term.
  5. Founder – This is a special honorary position which was created in 2004 which will be permanently held by the founding member of the club. The Founder supports monthly meetings, monitors Posse member activity at runs and events, and may address problems if they occur.


VII. Meetings

  1. Meetings shall be held on a regular schedule once a month. Currently, meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at Round Table Pizza at 2222 Francisco Drive in El Dorado Hills, 7:30 PM.
  2. Meetings may be scheduled such that a ½ hour closed session will be available for “Club Members Only” discussion (7:00 – 7:30PM).
  3. Public meetings are open to anyone with interest in The Gold Hills Posse 4x4 Club.
  4. Special Board Member meetings may be called by the President.


VIII. Club Elections and Voting

  1. Club elections will be held once a year.
  2. President, Vice-President and Trail-Master will remain in office for a period of one year. Secretary will remain in office for a period of two years.
  3. Special elections may be held in the event that an elected official is no longer capable of fulfilling their duties.
  4. Office nominations will be gathered by means of a secret write-in ballot during the 12th-month club meeting of the Club year.
  5. Elections will be held at the 1st meeting of the year, Active-Status Club Members unable to attend will be required to cast their vote via phone call or electronic mail to the current club President or Secretary before the 1st meeting of the year in order to be counted for the official vote.
  6. Active-Status Club Members will be allowed to vote for club officials. Each club member adult family member over the age of 21 will be eligible to cast one vote. Members in good standing are eligible to vote during elections, by-law changes and on other club issues.
    1. An exception will be granted for any Club Member with a minimum age of 18 who has previously been given a club exception for club membership.
    2. A maximum of two adult family members are eligible to vote during an official process (both voting family members must meet the active-status requirements to vote).
    3. Only “active” (as defined in the club membership section) adult family members will be eligible to vote during an official process or election.
  7. A majority vote will be required to elect an official. In the event of a tie, Club Prospects and active Associate members will be allowed to cast a special vote. In the event there are no active Prospects or Associate members, Active non-members who have attended a minimum of two runs and two meetings may be allowed to cast a special vote.
  8. Positions will be announced prior to the end of the meeting.


IX. Official Recalls

  1. An official may be removed from office at any time with a 2/3rds vote of Active-Status “Official Members”.


X. Club Runs

  1. Official Club Runs will be posted on the official Club Calendar. A minimum of 30 days notification should be given for all planned Club Runs. Unplanned Club Runs will be considered official if attempts have been made for an open club invitation including but not limited to phone calls, posting on the club forum or electronic mail. A minimum of four vehicles must be in attendance with a minimum of two Club Members present.
  2. A waiver/release of liability form must be signed by guests for all club runs whether they are planned or unplanned.
  3. No one under the age of 18 will be allowed to operate a vehicle during a Club Run without the supervision of a Parent or Legal Guardian. The Parent or Legal Guardian will be required to sign an additional release of liability.
  4. During all Club Runs, a vehicle with a working CB radio will be at the lead of the group and at the tail of the group.
  5. In the event that a “Trail Boss” is identified prior to the start of a run, all vehicles in attendance are responsible to direction of the “Trail Boss”.
  6. If it is necessary to make an unplanned stop, notify the “Trail Boss” or another club representative as soon as possible.
  7. A minimum of three vehicle lengths should be maintained when underway on a trail. Tailgating in an off-road environment is unsafe and will not be tolerated.
  8. “Potty Breaks” – During potty breaks where designated restrooms are not available, the rule will be women to the left, men to the right of the trail. In the event there is not an appropriate area to one side, order shall be women first, men second.
  9. Vehicle Requirements (for each Official Member’s vehicle):
    • Be in good working condition. Vehicles with known mechanical problems are discouraged from attending runs.
    • Have current vehicle registration and be street legal or current “Green Sticker” for strictly off-road vehicles.
    • Maintain current valid vehicle insurance.
    • Have front and rear recovery points.
    • Have a jack capable of lifting the vehicle.
    • Have a full size spare tire. No “temporary” or “donut” spares allowed.
    • Have properly functioning seat belts or restraints for all occupants of the vehicle.
    • Have a fire extinguisher on board.
    • Have an approved recovery strap (Rope or chains is not considered an acceptable alternative to an appropriate strap).
  10. Additional Vehicle Recommendations:
    • First Aid Kit
    • Hi-Lift type jack.
    • Winch
    • Air system capable of inflating a tire to street pressure.
    • Tools
  11. Absolutely no drinking of alcoholic beverages will be tolerated while the vehicle is in motion.
  12. Alcohol consumption by minors will not be tolerated during club events.
  13. No use of illegal drugs will be tolerated during any Club Event.
  14. Firearms are not to be exhibited or fired during any club related run or event unless the run or event was previously advertised in advance as a shooting-related activity.
  15. All vehicle occupants must wear a fully functioning seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion. NO EXCEPTIONS.

XI. Club Events

  1. Four wheel drive vehicle is not usually required for Club Events.
  2. Alcohol consumption by minors will not be tolerated during club events.
  3. Absolutely no use of illegal drugs will be tolerated at any Club Event.
  4. Firearms are not to be exhibited or fired during any club related run or event unless the run or event was previously advertised in advance as a shooting related activity.


XII. By-Laws Document

Club By-Laws document is considered to be a live document and is subject to change.

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