By-Laws
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Matlacha Civic Association.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
The purpose of this organization is to form an association of concerned citizens to accomplish the following:
Section 1. Provide a unified
voice on civic problems so that the best interests of Matlacha can be
effectively presented to our County Commissioners, State Legislators, other
elected officials
and the general public.
Section 2. Furnish a forum for members to express their views and present worthwhile projects for consideration and action.
Section 3. Conduct monthly meetings and promote social functions for residents to get acquainted and become friends with their neighbors.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Eligible for
membership will be any resident, property owner, business owner or operator in
the unincorporated Lee County area known commonly as Matlacha.
The area begins with Matlacha Isles subdivision and goes to and includes
property on Little Pine Island.
Section 2. Persons although
not meeting Section I requirements who the Board and general membership may
consider an asset to the organization may become an Associate Member. Dues
will be the same as for a general member, but an Associate Member may
neither hold elected office nor vote on any issue.
Section 3. (A) Annual dues will be established by the Board and approved by the general membership. Dues will be on a per person basis.
(B) Dues shall be payable January 1 of each
year. A member will be considered delinquent if dues are not received by March
1. Delinquent members may neither hold
elected office nor vote.
ARTICLE IV. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. At each September meeting, a nominating committee of three members shall be appointed by the President to nominate candidates to fill any vacant Board seats or seats whose term will expire on December 31 of that year.
Section 2. A candidate for Director must be a member in good standing for at least 90 days prior to nomination. Nominations will be made at the October meeting each year. Additional nominations from the floor will be accepted at that meeting.
Section 3. Two members of the same household shall not serve on the same Board of Directors. Any waivers of this section shall require a 2/3 majority of votes cast.
Section
4.
Elections will be held at the November general meeting, and the new officers and
Board members will assume their duties at the regular January meeting. The Board
of Directors will
select their
officers at the January Board meeting.
ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall consist of seven (7) members. Every effort shall be made to provide equal area representation on the Board.
Section 2. Board members shall conduct regular monthly meetings as convened by the President. Any Board member can request special Meetings.
Section 3. The Board shall be comprised of four (4) officers and three (3) members at large.
Section 4. Board members may serve a maximum of three (3) consecutive years and a maximum of five (5) years in total.
Section 5. The Board shall:
a. Assist the officers, recommend committees and assist in forming them.
b. Prepare and maintain by-laws as adopted by the membership.
c. Fill seats on the Board which may become vacant prior to the end of the respective term of office.
Section 6. The Board is authorized to spend up to one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) for any Association service or purpose without a vote of the membership.
ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS AND DUTIES
Section 1. Officers shall consist of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The term of office shall be from January to December, inclusive. Officers may serve a maximum of two (2) consecutive years in the same office, but may be reelected to that office after an absence of one year.
Section 2. The President shall:
a. Preside over Association and Board meetings.
b. Call Board and committee meetings as required.
c. Be sure all officers and committee chairs are prepared for the next meeting.
d. Sign checks in the absence of the Treasurer.
e. Assign committees as recommended by the Board or as required.
Section 3. The Vice President shall:
a. Preside at meetings in the absence of the President.
b. Act as program and publicity chair and assist other committees as necessary.
Section 4. The Secretary shall:
a. Take minutes of Association and Board meetings.
b. Act as custodian of all records, except those otherwise delegated.
c. Preside over meetings in the absence of the President and Vice President.
d. Keep an up to date inventory of all Association assets.
Section 5. The Treasurer shall:
a. Collect and deposit all funds, write and sign checks, pay bills and submit a financial report at each meeting.
b. Keep a current membership book of dues paid.
c. Contract and pay for building rental for meetings.
d. Serve as chair of any finance sub-committee, and recommend to the Board every May a projected budget for the coming year.
ARTICLE VII. MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular membership meetings shall be held each month unless a majority of the members vote to the contrary.
Section 2. Meeting dates will be established on the basis of the availability of the meeting venue.
ARTICLE VIII. PROCEDURE AND ORDER OF BUSINESS
Section 1. Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern
Section 2. The order of business at Association meetings shall be:
a. Open meeting
b. Pledge of allegiance to the flag
c. Reading and acceptance of minutes
d. Communications and correspondence
e. Treasurer’s report
f. Committee reports
g. Old Business
h. New Business
i. Adjournment
Section 3. Guest speakers or special presentations will be scheduled at the conclusion of the regular meeting.
ARTICLE IX. COMMITTEES
Section 1. Program. The Vice President, acting as Program Chair, shall arrange the program for each meeting, and, acting as Publicity Chair, shall also provide advance publicity to the media.
Section 2. Membership. The Membership Chair shall contact and promote memberships from residents of Matlacha, shall coordinate membership lists with the Treasurer and shall establish a Calling Committee, which will notify members of planned speakers, meetings or special events.
Section 3. Social. This committee shall make arrangements for and be in charge of any special social event.
ARTICLE X. COMMITTEES
Section 1. Any member may propose a change in the by-laws under “New Business” at a regular meeting. If the proposal is seconded, discussion is in order.
Section 2. The President shall then appoint a By-Laws Committee of three (3) members, who will review the proposed change and report to the Board at their next meeting.
Section 3. The proposed change can then be presented at the next general meeting. A 2/3 majority of the members present shall be required to adopt the proposed change.
APPROVED: October 27, 1980 May 1994
January 25, 1982 November 2000
October 28, 1985 November 2002
January 2, 1986 September 22, 2003
February 1989