WRFG.

ARTICLE I
Name and Office Location

Section 1: The name of this non-profit organization shall be Western Reserve Fish and Game Preservation Association, Inc.

Section 2: This organization is incorporated in the state of Ohio. Its office is located at 1058 West Third street Niles, Ohio 44446

ARTICLE II
Purpose

The purpose of Western Reserve Fish and Game Preservation Association, Inc.:

1. To further the knowledge, consideration, restoration, and propagation of natural resources and the environment through:
   1. Active participation in the protection of fish and game, soil, water, and forest which constitutes its natural habitat.
   2. Promotes and maintains adequate wildlife legislation and laws.
   3. Promote education of the general public.
   4. Maintain a working relationship with the state of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, its divisions and officers.
2. This organization shall maintain a good relationship with:
   1. Other sporting and conservation clubs.
   2. The Trumbull County Federation of Sportsmen.
   3. Maintain good relations with adjacent and other land owners.
3. This organization shall have the authority to purchase, lease, own, possess, hold, and supervise properties, chattels, and real estate.

ARTICLE III
Organization

Section 1: The board of trustees shall have charge of and transact the business of this organization. All of the authority of this organization shall be exercised by or under the direction of the board of trustees.

Section 2: The officers shall handle the daily affairs of this organization under the direction of the board of trustees.

Section 3: Committees shall be appointed by the president subject to the approval of the membership. These committees shall advance the functions and activities of this organization. Special rules shall be established by each committee to enable it to operate efficiently and safely.

Section 4: Emergency purchase of one item or service with the approval of any combination of two officers or trustees shall not exceed $1500.

ARTICLE IV
Membership

Section 1: An application must be completed by a candidate wishing membership. The application will be reviewed by the membership screening committee. If approved by the committee, the applicant is presented at a regular meeting. A majority vote of regular members attending the meeting is required for acceptance. Membership in this organization shall not be transferred or assigned.

Section 2: Membership shall be limited to two hundred active voting members.

Section 3: Membership dues will be $35 annually with a $10 initiation fee and ten work hours for new members and six work hours or $10.00 per hour for all other members.Trustees may increase dues because of inflation or increased expenses.

Section 4: As of January 01, 2017, at age 65 and fifteen years consecutive membership in good standing or any member with twenty years consecutive membership in good standing shall be considered a life member and annual dues shall be waived.

Section 5: A member seeking election of officer or trustee shall be a member in good standing for two consecutive years and have attended at least six regular meetings in the past year.

Section 6: Honorary memberships shall be awarded by unanimous vote of membership attending a regular meeting. Honorary members shall not vote or pay dues.

Section 7: Members whenever possible shall assist with any work necessary for the improvement or sustenance of this organization.

Section 8: Regular membership meeting shall be the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm.

Section 9: Annual membership year is December to December.

Section 10: A member in good standing is a duly accepted member of at least two consecutive years who has paid their membership dues no later than the February meeting. Any member that has not paid their dues by the March meeting shall be considered no longer a member and must re-apply as a new member unless the executive board is made aware of medical issues or extenuating circumstances.

Section 11: A member may be dismissed for any wildlife violation resulting in a felony conviction, a felony conviction in any court, or disobeying club rules and by-laws.

Section 12: If a member fails Article IV Section 3, they cannot renew for one year.

Section 13: If a member is dismissed under Article IV sections 11 or 12, they may appeal the dismissal by requesting a hearing before the executive committee so that he/she may present evidence in their defense at which time the executive board shall vote and render a majority decision.

Section 14: All outgoing officers, trustees, and committee members shall turn over to their replacement or the president of the club all pertinent and relevant club information and/ or property or no longer be considered a member in good standing.

ARTICLE V
Elections

Section 1: Officers and one three year trustee will be elected by majority vote at the December meeting and will take office at the regular meeting in January.

Section 2: Elections shall take place on the day of the December meeting. Members may vote at the club house from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm or at the regular meeting. Members must sign a voting log book, or have attended at least two regular meetings in the past year, [unless work schedule or health issues have prevented attendance], and identify themselves as members in good standing by presenting a current membership card.

Section 3: Nominations will be from the floor at the regular meetings in September, October, and November. The nominee must accept or decline at this time to be placed on the ballot. No nominations shall be accepted in December.

Section 4: If a trustee fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings, that position of that trustee shall be considered vacant. Vacancies in the board of trustees shall be filled by the membership at the next regular meeting. The trustee shall serve the unexpired term of the vacancy.

Section 5: To be nominated for officer or board of trustees, a member must be in good standing {see Article IV section 10} and have attended at least six regular meetings in the year the office is requested.

Board of Trustees

Section 1: The board of trustees shall consist of three members. One trustee will be elected annually for a three year term.

Section 2: The board of trustees shall hold no less than three quarterly meetings per year.

Section 3: Time and place of the quarterly meetings may be held by regulation of the board of trustees.

Section 4: Any two trustees constitute a quorum.

Section 5: Trustees are to keep a record of all club equipment and property and report its condition at the January meeting.

Section 6: It shall be the function of the board of trustees to:

1. Transact general business for the benefit of this organization subject to the majority of the membership.
2. Fill any vacancies of the officers by appointment of another member to fill the unexpired term of office. If an officer fails to attend three consecutive meetings that position of that officer shall be considered vacant.
3. Assure the maintenance of proper liability and property insurance on behalf of this organization.
4. Conduct any other order of business to ensure the existence of this organization.

ARTICLE VI
Officers

Section 1: The officers of this organization shall consist of:

1. President
2. Vice President
3. Recording Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. Sergeant at Arms

Section 2: Duties of the President shall be:

1. Preside at and conduct all regular meetings.
2. Preside at and conduct special meetings that have a quorum of at least seven members.
3. Attend the regular meetings of the trustees in order to preserve the interest of the membership.

Section 3: Duties of the Vice-President shall be:

1. Assume the duties of the president in the event the president is absent or incapacitated.

Section 4: Duties of the Recording Secretary shall be:

1. Maintain a complete and accurate record of the meetings and business of the organization.
2. Compose and maintain a record of the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all members.
3. Take charge of all correspondence relating to this organization.
4. Hold all membership cards until payment of dues and assessments is received.
5. Issue applications for membership.
6. Receive all monies due this organization on behalf of the treasurer. This money shall be turned over to the treasurer upon delivery of a receipt.
7. Verify members in good standing in attendance from the sign in sheet.

Section 5: Duties of the Treasurer shall be:

1. Serve as custodian of all funds and securities of this organization.
2. Maintain an itemized account of all receipts and expenditures.
3. Issue receipts to the recording secretary for all monies received.
4. Pay all bills with a check of this organization on a monthly basis.
5. Deposit all funds monthly in this organization's bank as authorized by the board of trustees.
6. A written report of the last month sha;ll be presented to the officers and trustees and given orally at the regular monthly meeting.
7. Have all supporting vouchers and receipts for an annual audit to be conducted in the month of November by ab audit committee appointed by the president.
8. Checks shall be signed by any two of the following three officers: President, recording secretary, or treasurer.

Section 6: Duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms:

1. Maintain and preserve a sign in sheet of members at each monthly meeting.
2. Present a copy of the sign in sheet to the recording secretary when needed.
3. Arrange tables, chairs, or other equipment as needed for each meeting.
4. Escort out of the meeting any one causing a disturbance.

Section 7: All meetings shall be conducted under the Roberts Rules of Order.

ARTICLE VII
Changes

Section 1: Changes to the constitution and by-laws shall be in writing, signed by three members in good standing, and read at three consecutive meetings and approved by a vote if majority of members present at the third meeting.

ARTICLE VIII
Indemnification

No officer, trustee, or member shall be held liable for any damages arising from any lawsuit brought against Western Reserve Fish and Game Protective Association unless criminal charges are filed against a member / guest and the member / guest is convicted in a court of law. Upon conviction of such charges, the member / guest agrees to indemnify { free from liability } all officers, trustees, and members of Western Reserve Fish and Game Protective Association from all responsibility for any damages arising from any legal action.

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Constitution and Bylaws dated December 8, 2015 will be amended as revised and attached. Approved February 8, 2016