Article I s General Information

 

Section 1 s Name

The name of the club shall be The Sheboygan Kennel Club, Incorporated.

 

Section 2 s Objectives

The Club's objectives will be to further the advancement of all breeds of properly registered dogs and to do all in its power to protect and advance the interest of all breeds of purebred dogs. To encourage good sportsmanship in competition at dog shows and obedience trials. Furthermore, the Club will conduct sanctioned matches, dog shows, and obedience trials under the Rules of The American Kennel Club.

 

Section 3 s Financial Vow

The club shall not be conducted or operated for profit and not any part of profits or remainder or residue from dues or donations to the Club shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual.

 

Section 4 s By-Law Revision

The members of the Club shall adopt and may revise such by-laws as may be required to carry out these objectives.

 

Section 5 s Complaints/Suggestions

All complaints or suggestions as to the management of the Club must be made in writing to the Board of Directors.

 

Section 6 s Admittance Rights

The Club reserves the right to refuse admittance.

 

 

Article II s Membership

 

Section 1 s Eligibility

There shall be three types of membership, family, single, and junior whereas junior members must be under 18 years of age and not have graduated from High School. Membership is open to all persons who are in good standing with The American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purpose of this club. While membership is to be unrestricted as to residence, the club's primary purpose is to be representative of purebred dog owners, breeders, and exhibitors in its immediate area.

 

Section 2 s Dues

The annual dues for junior membership is $15.00, single membership shall be $25.00, and the annual dues for a family membership shall be $30.00. The family membership fee entitles all members of the immediate family to all club privileges. All persons under eighteen years of age shall not be entitled to a vote or voice. Upon reaching the age of eighteen years of age they shall be required to pay adult dues for a continuation of their obligation.

As of 01/01 of the following year, after 20 years of consecutive membership and age 65, dues will be waived. Dues are payable on or before the 31st day of December of each year. During the months of November, members shall be notified of their dues for the ensuring year. Failure to receive notice does not release any member of their obligation. Any member joining after July 1st shall be assessed one half of the annual dues.

Annual Membership Requirements: Individual members, or one person of a family membership will be required to attend no less than two (2) regular business meetings during the preceding calendar year in addition to being obligated to work at the All Breed Dog Show and July Clean-up, where roll call will be taken, unless excused by the President or other Officer of the Club.

In addition to the above, you will be obligated to train on a designated night and refreshments for 1 month's business meeting. After 20 years of consecutive service and age 65, obligatory duties will be voluntary.

In addition to the above, you will be obligated to train on a designated night and provide refreshments for 1 month’s business meeting.

After 20 years of consecutive service and age 65, obligatory duties will be voluntary.

Effective August 16, 2000 - UNDER ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS - the meeting before the show as a mandatory meeting requirement. UNDER DUES - A grace period of January 31 be added to the dues deadline date of December 31 with a penalty of $10 for dues paid after the December 31 date. Notices would be in the November and December “BARKER”.

 

Section 3 s Membership

Every applicant for membership shall be proposed by two members of The Sheboygan Kennel Club. Sponsors for membership applicants cannot be from the same family. The annual dues must accompany the application. Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as approved by the Board of Directors and which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by The Sheboygan Kennel Club Constitution, By-Laws, Guidelines, Code of Ethics, and Rules of The American Kennel Club. Applications are to be submitted to the secretary at a business meeting. Attendance is required for the 1st reading. At the 2nd reading, the application will be voted upon and affirmative votes of two-thirds of the members present and voting at the meeting shall be required. Applicants are required to be absent from the meeting while voting on their membership. Applicants will be notified on a timely basis and those denied membership may not reapply for a period of six (6) months.

 

Section 4 s Termination of Membership

Any member in good standing may resign from the club upon written notice to the Secretary. A membership will be considered as lapsed and automatically terminated if such member's dues remain unpaid after the first day of January and/or annual membership requirements are not met. A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article VII of this Constitution and By-Laws.

 

 

Article III s Meeting and Voting

 

Section 1 s Club Meetings

Club meetings shall be held on the third Wednesday of each month in the Club Building. Time of meeting and special programs will be noted in the Club's publication. The quorum for such meetings shall be 30% of the members in good standing.

 

Section 2 s Special Club Meetings

Special club meetings may be called by the President, by a majority vote of the members of the Board who are present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Board, by the Secretary, or by a petition signed by five (5) members of the Club who are in good standing Special meetings shall be held in the club building at such hour as may be designated by the person or persons authorized herein to call meetings. Written notice shall be mailed by the Secretary at least five (5) days and not more than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting, and not other club business may be transacted. The quorum shall be 30% of the members in good standing.

 

Section 3 s Board of Directors meetings

The Board of Directors shall hold bimonthly meetings. The quorum shall be a majority of the Board.

 

Section 4 s Voting

Each member in good standing whose dues are paid and has no overdue bills owed to the Club for the current fiscal year shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of the Club at which he/she is present. Proxy voting will not be permitted at any Club meeting or election. Individual members, or one person of a family membership, shall be required to attend no less than three (3) regular business meetings during the preceding year in order to vote at the annual election of officers.

 

 

Article IV s Officers and Directors

Section 1

The government and management of the Club shall be vested in a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall consist of five (5) directors and the duly elected officers of the Club. The retiring President will automatically serve a one (1) year term on the Board of Directors in an advisory position.

 

Section 2

Five (5) board members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

 

Section 3

The Board of Directors shall make recommendations in accordance with the powers given.

 

Section 4

The board of Directors by a majority vote will fill vacancies that occur on the Board. Such appointees shall hold office until the next official election.

 

Section 5

The Board of Directors shall hold bimonthly meetings. Special meetings can be called the the discretion of the president or at written request of three (3) members of the Board. No other business may be transacted.

 

Section 6

The President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected for one (1) year term. Directors shall be elected for two (2) year terms. Officers are limited to two (2) consecutive terms of the same office. Directors may not hold consecutive terms.

 

Section 7

Duties of Officers are:

President s shall preside at all meetings of the club and of the board; appoints chairman of each committee, has the power to call special meetings, and calls for an audit of the books prior to the election of officers.

Vice-President s shall have the powers and will exercise the duties of the President in case of the President’s death, absence, or incapacity. He/she also is Chairman of the Program Committee and responsible for monthly meeting notices to the local newspaper.

Secretary s shall keep a complete record of all meetings of the Club and the Board of Directors, and of all matters of which a record shall be ordered by the Club. The Secretary shall supply all membership applicants with a copy of the Constitution, By-Laws, Guidelines and Code of Ethics. He shall notify applicant of either his acceptance or rejection. Keep separate record of all papers in the safety deposit box of which the key should be retained by the Secretary. Inform board members of board meetings. Motions to be recorded under separate cover. Person interested in committees other than show should contact the Secretary. Secretary to inform Press and Chamber of Commerce of new officers. Show responsibilities: mailing out premium lists to people requesting copies or advising the superintendent responsible for the show. Secretary’s phone number to be on posters.

Treasurer s shall collect and receive all monies due. The Treasurer shall deposit such monies as shall be designated by the Board of Directors in the name of the Club. The books shall at all times be open to the inspection of the Board of Directors and he/she shall report at every meeting the condition of the finances. At regular meetings the treasurer shall render an account of all monies during the previous month.

Board of Directors s should attend all scheduled board and regular meetings. A Board Member cannot miss two (2) board or regular meetings in a row. If two (2) meetings are missed in arrow, he/she shall be notified by the Secretary of his/her release as a board member and a new board member is appointed. If unable to attend, members must notify the President. The board shall appoint committees.

 

Section 8

Any officers or committee members may, at any time for violation of duty, be removed by the Board of Directors and the vacancies filled.

 

 

 

Article V s The Club Year, Annual Meetings, and Elections

 

Section 1 s The Club Year

The Club's fiscal year shall begin on the 1st day of January and end on the 31st of December. The new officers and new board members shall take office following the annual meeting.

 

Section 2 s Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting shall be held in the month of December at which directors and officers for the ensuing year shall be elected by written ballot from among those nominated in accordance with Section 4 of this article. At that time, each retiring officer shall turn over to his successor all properties and records relating to that office.

 

Section 3 s Elections

The nominated candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for each office or position on the Board of Directors shall be declared elected. No person can hold more than one office at one time.

 

Section 4 s Nominations

No person may be a candidate in a club election who has not been nominated. During the month of September, the Board of Director shall select a nominating committee consisting of five (5) members not more than two (2) of whom shall be a member of the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall notify the appointed committee. The Board of Directors shall name a chairman for the committee. It shall be their duty to call a meeting prior to November 1st. The committee shall nominate one (1) candidate for each office and board position. After securing the consent of each person so nominated, shall report their nominations to the Secretary in writing. All candidates for office must have been active members for a minimum of two (2) years prior to the election. Upon receipt of the nominating committee's report, the Secretary shall before November 15th notify each member in writing of the candidates so nominated. Additional nominations may be made at the December meeting by any member in attendance with a second provided that the person so nominated does not decline when their name is proposed. Further, that if the proposed candidate is not in attendance at this meeting, his proposer shall present to the Secretary a written statement of their willingness to be a candidate. Nominations cannot be made in any manner other than as provided in this section.

 

 

Article VI s Committees

 

Section 1 s Show Committee

The Board of Directors shall appoint a show committee of not less than five (5) members, which shall old office until their show is completed. They shall be under the supervision of the Board of Directors, shall have charge of all matters pertaining to the show. Such committees shall always report to the membership. Sub-committees may be appointed by the show chairman.

 

Section 2 s Committee Appointment

Any committee appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of the Board of Directors upon written notice to the appointee. The Board of Directors may appoint successors.

 

Section 3 s Committee Heads

All committee heads must keep records of committee activity, which shall be handed down to their successors.

 

Section 4 s Special Committees

All special committees shall be appointed by the President, unless otherwise ordered in a motion.

 

 

Article VII s Discipline

 

Section 1 s American Kennel Club Suspension

Any member, who is suspended from the privileges of The American Kennel Club automatically shall be suspended from the privileges of this club for a like period.

 

Section 2 s Charges

Any member may prefer charges against another member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interest of the Club. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a deposit of $10.00, which shall be forfeited if such charges are dismissed. The Secretary shall promptly notify the President, who shall schedule a Special Board Meeting not less than three (3) weeks and no more than six (6) weeks thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges to the accused member.

 

 

Article VIII s Amendments

 

Section 1 s Amendments

Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by written petition addressed to the Secretary signed by twenty (20) percent of the membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such petition shall be promptly considered by the Board of Directors and must be submitted to the members with recommendations of the Board by the Secretary for a vote within three (3) months of the date when the petition was received by the Secretary.

 

Section 2 s Amendment Vote

The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds of the quorum vote of the members present at any regular meeting, provided the proposed amendments have been presented in writing to each member at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the meeting.

 

Section 3 s Board Hearing

The Board of Directors shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the Board of Directors may by a majority vote of those present suspend the defendant from all privileges of the Club for not more than six (6) months from the date of the hearing. If it deems that punishment be insufficient, it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case, the suspension shall not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before his fellow members at the Club meeting at which the membership considers the Board’s recommendation. Immediately, after the Board has reached a decision its’ findings shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the Board’s decision and penalty, if any.

 

Section 4 s Expulsion

Expulsion of a member from the Club may be accomplished only at a meeting of the Club following a Board hearing and upon the Board’s recommendation as provided in Section 3 of this article. Such proceedings will occur at a regular meeting of the Club to be held within sixty (60) days but not earlier than thirty (30) days after the date of the Board’s recommendation of expulsion. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his or her own behalf, though no new evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges and the Board’s findings and invite the defendant, if present, to speak in their own behalf. The membership shall then vote by secret written ballot on the proposed expulsion. A two-thirds the quorum vote of those present at the meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the Board’s suspension shall stand.

 

 

Article IX s Dissolution

 

Section 1 s Dissolution

The Club may dissolve at any time by the written consent of not less than two-thirds of the members. In the even of the dissolution of the Club, whether voluntary or involuntary, or by operation of law, non of the property of the Club nor any proceeds thereof nor any assets of the Club shall be distributed to any members of the Club, but after payment of the debts of the Blub, its property and assets shall be given to a charitable organization for the benefit of dogs selected by the Board of Directors.

 

 

Article IX s Order of Business

 

Section 1 s Order of Business

At meetings of the Club, the Order of Business, so far as the character and nature of the meeting may permit, shall be as follows:

• Order of business

• Roll call

• Minutes of the last meeting

• Report of treasurer

• Report of secretary

• Report of president

• Reports of committees

• Election of officers and board (annual)

• Election of new members

• Unfinished business

• New business

• Adjournment

Section 2 s Board Meeting Order of Business

At meetings of the Board, the Order of Business, unless otherwise directed by majority vote of those present, shall be as follows:

• Roll call

• Reading of minutes of last meeting

• Report of secretary

• Report of treasurer

• Reports of committees

• Unfinished business

• New business

• Adjournment