By-Laws

Founded 1886 Incorporated 1924

Leominster Sportsmen's Association, Inc.
1455 Elm Street, P.O. Box 484, Leominster, MA 01453-0484

By-Laws

Ratified
26 October 2022
First Amendment - Electronic Voting - 28 February 2018
Second Amendment - Elimination of new Life Membership - 25 April 2018
Third Amendment – Membership, Dues and Hare Committee - 27 January 2021
Fourth Amendment – Electronic By-Law Voting – 26 October 2022

NAME

The name of this organization shall be: Leominster Sportsmen's Association, Inc.

ARTICLE II
OBJECT OF THE ORGANIZATION

Section 1. To foster and promote shotgun, rifle, archery and pistol shooting for the development of marksmanship and safety fundamentals; to promote angling and social activities for Association members and to educate members and the general public about the benefits of the great outdoors.

Section 2. To encourage the conservation of our natural resources, protect our wildlife and liberate pheasants, hare and trout into our pond and woodlands for the benefit of our members.

Section 3. It shall be our further objective and purpose to forward the development of the characteristics of honesty, good fellowship, self-discipline, team play and self-reliance, which are the essentials of good sportsmanship and the foundation of true patriotism.

ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Any legal resident of the United States, being of sound mind and good character and at least seventeen (17) years of age or older may apply for Regular membership in the Association by paying the required dues and fees.

Section 2. Before becoming a member of the Association all applicants shall sign the following certification:

“I certify that I am a citizen of the United States or a legal resident of the United States possessing a so-called ‘Green Card (granted Permanent Resident Card that is current),’ and that I am not a member of any organization or group, pledged to, or working towards the subversion or destruction of our system of government under the Constitution of the United States, or of the rights and liberties of United States citizens. I also certify that I am seventeen (17) years old or older.”

Section 3. Any "Senior", age sixty-five (65) or older, may apply, at a reduced rate as determined by the Membership.

Section 4. Any "Junior", age fourteen (14) to sixteen (16) years, may apply, at a reduced rate as determined by the Membership. Junior members shall not have voting rights.

Section 4A. Any Youngster under fourteen years old, may apply to be a "Youth” member, at a reduced rate as determined by the Membership. Youth members shall not have voting rights.

Section 5. All membership applications, along with appropriate dues and fees, will be submitted to the Membership Committee. The Membership Committee will present said applications to the Association's Board of Directors to be reviewed and approved. Those applications, thus approved, shall be forwarded to the Membership for their vote of approval and acceptance for membership into the Association.

Section 6. No part of the “Life Membership Trust Fund” shall be pledged as collateral, spent, transferred, withdrawn, or exchanged for any other asset or investment without a vote of approval therefor by two-thirds (2/3) of the Membership present and entitled to vote at a Regular General Membership Meeting or Special Voting Session of the members. Before any such vote, the Board of Directors shall publish a Notice in the Association Newsletter, distributed to all members, of its intention to so use “Life Membership Trust Fund” monies, providing in that Notice a detailed explanation of its reasons. Such Notice shall explain that a two-thirds (2/3) Membership vote of approval is required for such proposal and shall set forth the Regular General Membership Meeting or Special Voting Session date during which such vote will be held.

Section 7. The “Life Membership Trust Fund” may be dissolved by a two-thirds (2/3) roll call vote by the Board of Directors, followed by a nine-tenths (9/10) ballot vote of the entire Membership. The ballots for such a vote shall be mailed, by regular U.S. Mail, to all of the members and each such ballot shall contain a printed explanation of the matter to be voted on, followed by instructions to circle the printed “Yes” or “No” on the ballot. The ballots shall contain a line upon which each member shall print his or her name, and another line for his or her signature. The ballots shall state the date by which they must be postmarked for return by U.S. Mail, addressed as follows: “Leominster Sportsmen’s Assoc., Inc., ATTN: Membership Committee, P.O. Box 484, Leominster, MA 01453-0484.” Within fourteen (14) days of the specified ballot return postmark date the Membership Committee shall count the ballots, secure them in a safe place in the event a recount is requested, and certify the vote totals to the Board of Directors and to the Membership in the next issued Association Newsletter. If dissolution is so approved by a nine-tenths (9/10) vote, and if no member challenges the vote tally in writing within fourteen (14) days of such Newsletter publication, the Board of Directors shall direct the Treasurer to dissolve the “Life Membership Trust Fund” and add all of its principal and accrued interest and earnings to the Association’s General Funds.

Section 8. Any member may resign from the Association by giving written notice to the Membership Committee.

Section 9. It shall be the duty of each Association member to report any change of their address to the Membership Committee as soon as possible.

Section 10. Anyone applying for Association membership, as in Article III, Section 1, 3, 4 or 4A, after September first of each year, will, upon payment of the required dues and fees and being elected to membership, be an Association member for the current calendar year and the following year. This Section shall not apply to a former member whose membership expired within the preceding calendar year.

Section 11. Any member, for unseemly conduct or other acts detrimental to the interest of the Association, may be expelled from membership, or discharged from any elected Office or from any Association Committee.

A written complaint against said member is to be submitted by the complainant to the Association's Board of Directors. Should the Board sustain the complaint, by a roll call vote, it will be forwarded to the membership committee for an investigation of the charges. Results of the Membership Committee's investigation will be submitted to the Board of Directors, along with the Committee's recommendation for resolution of the situation.

If expulsion from membership or discharge from any Association Office or Committee is recommended, the Board of Directors will report to the General Membership at the next Regular General Membership Meeting. The Membership will vote on the recommended action. The Member charged is entitled to present his or her argument to the Membership Committee during the Committee's investigation and may be asked to appear before that Committee at subsequent meetings.

ARTICLE IV
DUES

Section 1. The Annual Dues of this Association shall be set by the Board of Directors prior to the August meeting of the Board. Any changes in the Dues from those of the preceding year shall be voted on at a Regular General Membership Meeting or Special Voting Session of the Association, by the members present and entitled to vote. Results of membership vote outcome and corresponding changes to the annual dues, or discount rates, shall be recorded and tracked by the Secretary. Any change so voted in the Annual Dues will become effective for Association Membership for the subsequent calendar year, following the adoption of the change.

Section 2. Dues shall be payable by December 31st of each year. Members whose dues are not paid by December 31st of each year, shall lose their standing as an active member and will be assessed the current initiation fee upon rejoining the association. Voting on any Association matter including the vote for club officers and directors at the January General Membership Meeting will require dues to be paid up prior to the meeting.

ARTICLE V
MEETINGS

Section 1. The Regular General Membership Meetings of the Association shall be held on the fourth Wednesday evening in each month. The hour of the meeting shall be 7:30 p.m.

Section 2. The Annual Meeting and election of officers of the Association shall be held on the Fourth Wednesday in January at 7:30 p.m.

Section 3. When convenience requires, the Regular General Membership Meeting may be held on a date, at a place, and at an hour other than above, as determined by a vote of the Board of Directors, and provided that prior written Notice of such a change of meeting date, place and time given to all members by Newsletter.

Section 4. Special meetings may be called by the President or by a majority of the Board of Directors.

Section 5. Special Voting Sessions, designed to facilitate important membership votes, may be scheduled as determined by a vote of the Board of Directors. These voting sessions will be scheduled for the Sunday immediately preceding the monthly regular meeting and may allow for electronic voting. Electronic returns will be counted up until the beginning of the aforementioned Regular General Membership Meeting. Voting will take place starting at 9:00 a.m., and ending at 3:00 p.m., on the designated Sunday. Notice of such Special Voting Sessions shall be posted, and shall be provided in the Newsletter, at least 30 days prior to the Session. Results of the vote shall be published during the Regular General Membership Meeting immediately following the voting session.

Section 6. The Board of Directors shall hold a meeting each month two weeks before the Regular General Membership meeting, or at another time as convenience may require. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be "chaired" by the Association President, or a substituting Vice President. Voting at Board of Directors meetings shall be by all elected Officers, with the exception of the President, as stated in Article VII, Section 1, and by all elected Directors present at the meeting. The Chairman of each standing committee or his representative shall be invited to attend these meetings of the Board of Directors but will not be entitled to vote. A quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors shall consist of two-thirds (2/3) of the Officers and Directors.

Section 7. The Secretary shall produce, publish, and make available via electronic means or printed copy placed in the Association Clubhouse, a monthly Newsletter announcing the date, place and time of the Regular General Membership Meeting.

Section 8. A quorum at any regular or special meeting of the membership shall consist of five percent of the total Association membership. Voting shall be done by a showing of current membership identification, thereby ensuring that only active members are voting. A quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors shall consist of two-thirds of the officers and directors.

Section 9. All meetings of the Association may be adjourned to any other time as may be decided by those present and entitled to vote. It shall not be necessary to notify any member of the Association of any adjournment of any such meeting. Any business which could have been legally transacted at any meeting of the Association may be transacted at any adjournment without new notification.

ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. The elective officers of the Association shall consist of a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Board of Directors of fifteen members. No officer of the Association may hold multiple elected positions. A vacancy in the office of Association President shall be filled by the First Vice-President. A vacancy in the office of First Vice-President shall be filled by the Second Vice-President. A vacancy in the Office of Second Vice-President shall be filled by holding a special election for the office. A vacancy in the office of Secretary or Treasurer shall be filled by special election. Special elections to fill these elected Offices shall be held within two months of the vacancy being declared.

Section 2. The Board of Directors, together with the elected Officers, shall be considered the governing body of the Association. Voting at Board of Directors Meetings shall include all officers and directors, with the exception of the President, as stated in Article VII, Section 1.

Section 3. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors shall be filled by the Board of Directors. A vacancy may be declared whenever any member of the Board of Directors fails to attend three regular meetings of the Board, in a calendar year, without reasonable notice to an Association Officer or Director. Removal of said Director shall be made only upon the vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Directors present and majority Membership vote at a subsequent Regular General Membership Meeting, provided further that the Director to be removed is notified in writing of such action at least ten days prior to the meeting at which the removal is to take place. A Director appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve until the next Annual Election. When possible, a vacancy in the position of Director shall be filled by appointing the next highest vote getter from the previous Annual Election for the Office.

Section 4. The elected Officers and Directors of the Association shall hold their office for a period of one (1) year, being elected to Office by a vote of the general membership at the Annual Meeting of the Association. Voting will include electronic voting by members who are not able to attend the meeting at which Officers and Directors are elected. Any officer or director may resign his office by written resignation at any time, and the acceptance of a resignation shall not be required to make it valid.

Section 5. When the need for a Special Election exists, the Secretary shall advertise, in the monthly Newsletter, that nominations are being accepted prior to and during the next regular general membership meeting. The names of all Association members nominated shall be published in the following monthly Newsletter, and election by written ballot will be scheduled during the next Regular General Membership Meeting or Special Voting Session. The candidate so elected will hold office until the next annual election.

ARTICLE VII
DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Section 1. The President shall be the executive officer of the Association. The President shall only vote to break a tie. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Association including Board of Directors meetings; call special meetings when necessary; appoint all Committee Chairmen; have general supervision over matters pertaining to the Association; see that harmony is preserved and the rules of order are enforced; and act as the representative of the Association at special meetings and events outside of the Association.

Section 2. It shall be the duty of the First Vice-President and the Second Vice-President to assist the President in the performance of his/her duties and to officiate for him/her in his/her absence, in order of their rank; and they shall be invested at such times with his/her full powers and duties. If all three (3) of these officers should be absent, the meeting shall be called to order by the Secretary. The members must then elect, by a vote of those present and entitled to vote, another member present to serve as presiding officer pro tem.

Section 3. The elected Secretary is the Secretary of the Association and the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Association including Board of Directors meetings and keep accurate minutes. The Secretary will assign membership identification, notify rejected applicants, and keep correct membership information and mailing lists of the members of the Association.

The Secretary shall receive membership dues and fees, etc., paying the same to the Treasurer at the earliest practical moment. He/she shall attend to all of the correspondence and shall present all communications received by him/her.

The Secretary shall publish written Notice in the Association Newsletter, distributed to all members, clearly and concisely describing any proposed action by the Board of Directors governed by Article VII, Section 5, Part A. and sub-sections of that Part A., and state clearly the date such proposed action will be voted on during a Regular General Membership Meeting or Special Voting Session of the members, and further clearly explain that approval of such proposed action by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and entitled to vote is required.

The Secretary shall have charge of all books, papers and records pertaining to the Office of the Secretary.

The Secretary shall produce, publish, and make available via electronic means or printed copy placed in the Association Clubhouse, a monthly Newsletter announcing the date, place and time of the Regular General Membership Meeting, programmed activities for the same, and any other matters of interest or benefit of the members. He/she may, at his/her discretion, delegate the production of the Newsletter to another.

The Secretary shall provide all Officers, Directors and Committee Chairpersons with a copy of the Association By-Laws at the February Board of Directors meeting.

For the faithful performance of his/her duties he/she shall receive _________dollars per annum, payable ________as determined by a two-thirds (2/3) vote by the Board of Directors. When he/she retires from office he/she shall immediately deliver all of the books, papers and other property in his/her charge belonging to the Association to his/her successor in office, or whomsoever the Board of Directors may designate. He/she shall annually present a written report of the financial transactions of his/her office for the fiscal year ending January thirty-first.

He/she shall be required to give bond to the Association in a sum determined by the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of his/her duties. The Association shall pay the fee for such Bond.

Section 4. The Treasurer shall have the custody of all of the funds and securities of the Association. It shall be his/her duty to receive all Association monies, giving a receipt therefor and depositing same at the earliest practical moment in such bank, banks, or depositories as are approved by the Board of Directors. He/she shall receive all bills against the Association, presenting same at the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors for their disposition.

He/she shall pay all bills as authorized by the Board of Directors, keeping an accurate account of the amounts and sources of receipts and the amounts and purposes of disbursements.

He/she shall, at such times as the Board of Directors require, present for examination all books, papers, receipts, etc., that may be necessary to a proper auditing of his/her account. He/she shall present a report, at both monthly General Membership meetings and Board of Directors meetings, of the Association showing the condition of the Association’s funds.

For the faithful performance of his/her duties, he/she shall receive as compensation for his/her services, the sum of ________ dollars per annum, payable ________ as determined by a two thirds (2/3) vote by the Board of Directors.

He/she shall be required to give bond to the Association in such sum and with such sureties as the Board of Directors may require. The Association shall pay the fee for such Bond.

Section 5. The Board of Directors is charged with conducting the general business, management, and oversight of the Association for the benefit of the Membership, and may promulgate written rules, regulations, and procedures to further such management and oversight.

The Board of Directors may hire agents and contractors, at fair and reasonable compensation rates, to repair, preserve, or improve the Association’s assets, or to assert or protect its legal rights, subject to any applicable restrictions contained within this Section below.

The Board of Directors, without a vote of the Membership, has the authority to spend Association funds for recurring and one-time Association expenses deemed appropriate by a majority vote of the Association Board of Directors and Officers. The vote must adhere to the Board of Directors meeting rules in Article V. Section 6.

A). The following proposed actions by the Board of Directors may only be done with approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and entitled to vote at a Regular General Membership Meeting or Special Voting Session, following due Notice as provided in Article IV, Section 5.

i). The sale, transfer, pledging, mortgaging, encumbering, leasing, exchanging, financing, or purchasing of any real property, buildings, structures, water rights, mineral rights, or quarrying rights.
ii). The renting of any Association building or facility for more than twenty-four (24) consecutive hours.
iii). The construction, erection, or alteration of any building, structure, or fixture for which action a building permit is required under the Massachusetts Building Code or cognate municipal ordinances.
iv). The construction of any new range or new facility requiring the use of earth-moving equipment.
v.) The purchase or leasing of any tractor, bulldozer, grader, truck, self-propelled bush-hog, or other vehicle.

Section 6. Any Club Officer or Director may ask for a "Roll Call Vote" on any motion to be voted upon at any meeting of the Officers and Directors. Once requested, the meeting's chairman must conduct a "Roll Call Vote" and record the results. The vote results will be included in the minutes of the meeting.

ARTICLE VIII
COMMITTEES

Section 1. At the first Regular General Membership Meeting of the Association, after his/her installation, the President shall appoint the Chairman of the following Committees: Archery, Bar, Black Powder, By-laws, Camp/Building, Camp/Grounds, Promotions, Conservation, Entertainment, Finance, Fish, Game (Pheasants), Kitchen, Legislation, Membership, Members Welfare, Nominations, Pistol, Publicity, Recreational Vehicles, Rifle, Scouting, Skeet and Trap. All Chairmen shall report to the President on matters of interest or importance.

Section 2. It shall be the duty of each Committee Chairman to submit to the Chairman of the Finance Committee a proposed Budget for the year, no later than the second regular meeting of the Board of Directors. This shall apply to all Committees. It shall also be the duty of each Committee Chairman to review any rules pertaining to his/her Committee and submit any new or amended rules to the Board of Directors, in writing, no later than the third regular meeting of the Board of Directors. After approval by the Board of Directors, the Secretary will issue a set of those rules, including any amendments, to the Officers, members of the Board of Directors, and Committee Chairmen. Copies will also be posted in the Association Clubhouse for the General Membership. Not all Committees require rules for their operation or functioning.

Section 3. With the exception of the Committee on Finance, committees shall be staffed with a number of members considered expedient and proper in consideration of the duties to be performed. Except as otherwise provided, committee members may be appointed by the Committee Chairman. The President and Secretary shall be ex-officio members of all committees. If necessary or expedient, any member may be appointed to more than one committee, Standing or Special. All committees other than Standing committees shall be considered Special Committees. A Special Committee may be formed at any time by the President to fulfill a current or anticipated need, and rules governing the committee shall be set when the committee is established. All committee appointees, both Standing and Special, including the Chairman, shall be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Section 4. All requests for Committee operating expenses in excess of $100.00 shall be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors and Officers at their regular meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose. All charges against the Association shall be certified by the Committee Chairman or an authorized member of the Committee contracting such charges.

All bills and invoices submitted to the Finance Committee shall be signed and dated by the Committee Chairman or his/her authorized representative.

In an emergency situation, the Committee Chairman may spend, out of their pocket, up to $100 for Association Business and the expenditure will be reviewed for reimbursement, with a signed and dated receipt, by the Board of Directors at their next regularly scheduled meeting.

Section 5. It shall be the duty of each Committee Chairman to turn into the Treasurer all funds collected. These funds shall be deposited into an account designated by the Treasurer at his/her earliest convenience.

Section 6. It shall be the duty of each Committee Chairman to maintain an accurate Committee Log Book containing its rules and regulations, events and functions, and all receipts and disbursements. These Log Books shall be turned in to the Board of Directors at the February meeting of the Board of Directors. These Log Books shall be issued to the Committee Chairmen by the Secretary.

ARTICLE IX
DUTIES OF COMMITTEES

Section 1. The Committee on Bar shall keep an accurate record of all sales and purchases and maintain the bar and equipment in a proper manner. This Committee shall have the authority to set prices and make necessary rules and regulations governing the operation of the Bar as they deem necessary, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. The Committee on By-Laws shall be familiar with all existing By-Laws. That Committee shall offer its interpretation of existing By-Laws to the Board of Directors when any proposed action by the Board of Directors or any Committee implicates any By-Law provision. The Committee on By-Laws shall review and report on any proposed changes to the By-Laws prior to their submission to the Board of Directors and shall keep an accurate record of all amendments or changes to the By-Laws, including text and the dates of official votes thereon, in the By-Laws Committee Log Book. The By-Laws Committee shall be watchful for any By-Law inequities or impracticalities that should be rectified and shall report every two (2) years on the state of the By-Laws and their practical effects to the Board of Directors.

Section 3. The Committee on Camp shall be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Clubhouse, the immediate grounds, and all fixtures, components, machinery, and equipment relating thereto. They shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors supporting needs to achieve this goal.

Section 4. The Committee on Association Promotions shall be constantly alert to seek out and promote additional Association activities calculated to provide extra revenue, such activities being at all times subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 5. The Committee on Conservation shall be the watchdog of all matters pertaining to the conservation and proper utilization of our natural resources, both within the Association and the surrounding community. It shall further be the duty of this Committee to keep the general membership informed of all matters of conservation pertinent to the welfare of the Association. Any member becoming a member of the City Conservation Commission or Planning Board should be invited to be a member of the Conservation Committee. This Committee shall also work with the professional Forester in maintaining the forestry plan under Chapter 61 of MGL.

Section 6. The Committee on Entertainment shall have charge of the entertainment provided at Regular Monthly Membership meetings.

Section 7. The Committee on Finance shall consist of not less than three (3) nor more than seven (7) members. The Treasurer shall be a member of this Committee. This Committee shall audit the Treasurer's accounts and examine into, report upon, and act in such matters of finance as the Board of Directors may direct. This Committee shall present each year at the March meeting of the Board of Directors, a balanced budget for the upcoming year. Audits will be performed on all Association Books by the Finance Committee or a professional accountant when directed so by the Board of Directors or the General Membership.

Section 8. The Committee on Fish shall have charge of all matters pertaining to fish and fishing within the Association Pond, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. This Committee shall have the authority to make necessary rules and regulations governing Bartlett Pond and all stocking, maintenance and use of the fish therein. They shall work with the Committee on Camp on maintenance of the immediate shoreline around the Pond, in the interest of good conservation and good fishing.

Section 9. (Blank)

Section 10. The Committee on Game/Pheasant shall have charge of all matters pertaining to the procurement and liberation of game birds, subject to approval by the Board of Directors. The Committee shall keep an accurate record in the Pheasant Committee Log Book of all receipts and disbursements, both as to monies and Game Birds, and shall make an annual Report to the Board of Directors.

Section 11. The Committee on Kitchen shall have charge of the Kitchen and all inventory and equipment related thereto. This Committee shall have the authority to set prices and make necessary rules and regulations governing the operation of the Kitchen as they deem necessary, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 12. The Committee on Legislation shall be concerned with all matters of legislation directly or indirectly involving the interest of all sportsmen. The Chairman or a member of the committee may represent the Association at any City, County, State or Federal meetings having to do with matters of this type and shall make a full report at the next Regular Meeting of the Membership, especially in the case of pending legislation which may require voting action by the Membership. The Chairman is also our delegate to the Worcester County League of Sportsmen's Associations.

Section 13. The Committee on Membership shall be concerned with maintaining membership of the highest character and within the values of the association as defined in these by-laws. Applications for membership shall be passed by the Board of Directors before being acted upon at a Regular Meeting of the Membership.

Section 14. The Committee on Members’ Welfare shall be concerned with the health and wellbeing of all members and shall be the representative in visiting and communicating with members reported ill. Should a member pass away, it shall further be the duty of this Committee to provide a suitable donation to the Leominster Sportsmen’s Association in their memory.

Section 15. The Committee on Nominations shall bring in at the Regular November meeting of the Association, a list of names to be voted upon for the various Elective Officers and Directors of the Association for the upcoming year. Nominations submitted at the November meeting shall be held over until the December meeting, at which meeting further nominations may be made from the floor. Nominations will then be closed and the candidate’s placement on the ballot will be drawn by lottery. The Election of Officers and Directors will be held at the Annual Meeting in January.

Section 16. The Committee on Publicity shall be concerned with keeping the Association image before the public by a thorough coverage of our activities in all the local news media. The Committee shall also have charge of all advertising and other publicity activities, including appointment of the Web Master or Social Media consultant, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 17. The Committee on Recreational Vehicles shall have charge of all activities connected with the use of Snowmobiles and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) on the Association Property. This Committee shall have the authority to make necessary rules and regulations governing the operation of such vehicles, as they deem necessary, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 18. The following Committees shall be designated as Association Shooting Committees: Archery, Black Powder, Pistol, Rifle, Skeet and Trap. It shall be the duty of each of these Committees to maintain their respective shooting ranges in a safe and proper manner.

Each Committee shall arrange for all competitions and related activities and shall have the authority to make necessary rules and regulations governing the same, as they deem necessary, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. Each Committee shall keep an accurate record in their respective Committee Log Books of all receipts and disbursements and shall make an annual Report to the Board of Directors.

Section 19. The Committee on Scouting shall be concerned with all Scouting activities held at or sponsored by the Association. This Committee shall schedule all Scouting events and shall have the authority to make necessary rules and regulations governing the activities of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, as they deem necessary, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE X
CARETAKER

Section 1. A Caretaker may be appointed by the Board of Directors. He/she shall be under the direction of the Board of Directors as a whole. The Caretaker shall give a monthly report on matters of interest or importance at the Board of Directors meetings

Section 2. The duties of the Caretaker shall be set at the time of his/her appointment and shall be subject to annual review by the Board of Directors and may be revised at that time. A copy of the Caretaker's duties shall be posted in the Clubhouse and shall be kept on file by the Secretary and President.

Section 3. The Caretaker, if installed, may be removed from his/her position by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS

Any proposed changes to these By-laws shall be submitted to the By-Law Committee by any Association Member at any regularly scheduled meeting. The By-Law committee will submit any and all by-law changes to the Board of Directors for approval, which will be in the form of a 2/3 majority vote, with a quorum of the board present. The By-Law Committee will then follow the procedures dictated in Article IX, Section 2. Additionally, all proposed By-Law changes must be published in the monthly newsletter at least 30 days prior to a vote by the membership. At least 5 percent (membership quorum per Article V, Section 8) of the total number of currently active members, which are entitled to vote, must cast a vote, for the vote to be official. A two-thirds (2/3) majority and official vote, by the active members present and/or electronically submitted, that are entitled to vote, is required to pass a By-Law change.

ARTICLE XII
DISSOLUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION

The members, including directors and officers, of this corporation shall have no right, title or interest whatsoever in its income, property or assets, nor shall any portion of such income, property or assets be distributed to any member on the dissolution of this corporation. Members of this corporation shall not be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, or obligations of the corporation, and shall not be subject to any assessments. Upon the dissolution of this corporation, for any cause or reason, its assets shall be, to the extent allowed by law, transferred and delivered to one or more other corporations or institutions which are non-profit entities and which have the same or substantially identical purposes as this corporation.

ARTICLE XIII

Section 1. Any and all votes scheduled for Regular General Membership Meetings or Special Voting Sessions shall be provided to those entitled members present and to broader entitled membership via electronic means. All proper requests for electronic voting must be provided to the general membership, via the email address on file, 30 days prior to the expected voting date. Electronic ballots will provide a summary of what is being voted on and when the vote is due back to the association. All electronic votes will be counted as part of the total and final vote. Final outcome of the vote shall be communicated to the general membership during the next scheduled General Membership Meeting and to the entitled member’s email address on file. Electronic voting per this amendment shall not apply to Article III Section 6, Article III Section 7 and Article VII Section 2.

AMENDMENTS

First Amendment - Electronic Voting

Amendment ratified in accordance with Article IX, Section 2 and Article XI, 28 Feb 2018

ARTICLE V

Ratified 28 Feb 2018: Article V, Section 5 of the By-Laws of Leominster Sportsmen's Association, Inc is hereby amended to delete such Section in its entirety and replace such Section with the following:

Section 5. Special Voting Sessions, designed to facilitate important membership votes, may be scheduled as determined by a vote of the Board of Directors. These voting sessions will be scheduled for the Sunday immediately preceding the monthly regular meeting and may allow for electronic voting. Electronic returns will be counted up until the beginning of the aforementioned Regular General Membership Meeting. Voting will take place starting at 9:00 a.m., and ending at 3:00 p.m., on the designated Sunday. Notice of such Special Voting Sessions shall be posted, and shall be provided in the Newsletter, at least 30 days prior to the Session. Results of the vote shall be published during the Regular General Membership Meeting immediately following the voting session.

ARTICLE VI

Ratified 28 Feb 2018: Article VI, Section 4 of the By-Laws of Leominster Sportsmen's Association, Inc is hereby amended to delete such Section in its entirety and replace such Section with the following:

Section 4. The elected Officers and Directors of the Association shall hold their office for a period of one (1) year, being elected to Office by a vote of the general membership at the Annual Meeting of the Association. Voting will include electronic voting by members who are not able to attend the meeting at which Officers and Directors are elected. Any officer or director may resign his office by written resignation at any time, and the acceptance of a resignation shall not be required to make it valid.

ARTICLE XIII

Ratified 28 Feb 2018: Article XIII is hereby added to the By-Laws of Leominster Sportsmen's Association, Inc in its entirety.

Section 1. Any and all votes scheduled for Regular General Membership Meetings or Special Voting Sessions shall be provided to those entitled members present and to broader entitled membership via electronic means. All proper requests for electronic voting must be provided to the general membership, via the email address on file, 30 days prior to the expected voting date. Electronic ballots will provide a summary of what is being voted on and when the vote is due back to the association. All electronic votes will be counted as part of the total and final vote. Final outcome of the vote shall be communicated to general membership during the next scheduled General Membership Meeting and to the entitled member’s email address on file. Electronic voting per this amendment shall not apply to Article III Section 9, Article III Section 10, Article III Section 14, Article V Section 9, and Article VII Section 2.

Second Amendment - Elimination of new Life Membership

Amendment ratified in accordance with Article IX, Section 2 and Article XI, 25 April 2018

ARTICLE III

Ratified 25 April 2018: Article III, Sections 6,7 and 8 of the By-Laws of Leominster Sportsmen's Association, Inc is hereby amended to delete such Section in its entirety and renumber following Sections:

Section 6
Section 7
Section 8

Ratified 25 April 2018: Article III, Section 13 of the By-Laws of Leominster Sportsmen's Association, Inc is hereby amended to delete such Section in its entirety and replace such Section with the following:

Section 13. Anyone applying for Association membership, as in Article III, Section 1, 3 or 4, after September first of each year, will, upon payment of the required dues and fees and being elected to membership, be an Association member for the current calendar year and the following year. This Section shall not apply to a former member whose membership expired within the preceding calendar year.

ARTICLE IX

Ratified 25 April: Article IX, Section 14 of the By-Laws of Leominster Sportsmen's Association, Inc is hereby amended to delete such Section in its entirety and replace such Section with the following:

Section 14. The Committee on Members’ Welfare shall be concerned with the health and wellbeing of all members and shall be the representative in visiting and communicating with members reported ill. Should a member pass away, it shall further be the duty of this Committee to provide a suitable donation to the Leominster Sportsmen’s Association in their memory.

Third Amendment – Membership, Dues and Hare Committee

Amendment ratified in accordance with Article IX, Section 2 and Article XI, 27 January 2021.

Ratified 27 January 2021: Article IX, Section 13 of the By-Laws of Leominster Sportsmen's Association, Inc is hereby amended to the following:

Section 13. The Committee on Membership shall be concerned with maintaining membership of the highest character and within the values of the association as defined in these by-laws. Applications for membership shall be passed by the Board of Directors before being acted upon at a Regular Meeting of the Membership.

Ratified 27 January 2021: Article IX, Section 9 of the By-Laws of Leominster Sportsmen's Association, Inc is hereby amended to delete such Section in its entirety.

Section 9. (Blank)

Ratified 27 January 2021: Article IV, Section 2 of the By-Laws of Leominster Sportsmen's Association, Inc is hereby amended to the following:

Section 2. Dues shall be payable by December 31st of each year. Members whose dues are not paid by December 31st of each year, shall lose their standing as an active member and will be assessed the current initiation fee upon rejoining the association. Voting on any Association matter including the vote for club officers and directors at the January General Membership Meeting will require dues to be paid up prior to the meeting.

Ratified 27 January 2021: Article III, Section 5 of the By-Laws of Leominster Sportsmen's Association, Inc is hereby amended to the following:

Section 5. All membership applications, along with appropriate dues and fees, will be submitted to the Membership Committee. The Membership Committee will present said applications to the Association's Board of Directors to be reviewed and approved. Those applications, thus approved, shall be forwarded to the Membership for their vote of approval and acceptance for membership into the Association.

Fourth Amendment – Electronic By-Law Voting

Amendment ratified in accordance with Article IX, Section 2 and Article XI, 26 October 2022.

Ratified 26 October 2022: Article XI of the By-Laws of Leominster Sportsmen's Association, Inc. is hereby amended to the following:

Any proposed changes to these By-laws shall be submitted to the By-Law Committee by any Association Member at any regularly scheduled meeting. The By-Law committee will submit any and all by-law changes to the Board of Directors for approval, which will be in the form of a 2/3 majority vote, with a quorum of the board present. The By-Law Committee will then follow the procedures dictated in Article IX, Section 2. Additionally, all proposed By-Law changes must be published in the monthly newsletter at least 30 days prior to a vote by the membership. At least 5 percent (membership quorum per Article V, Section 8) of the total number of currently active members, which are entitled to vote, must cast a vote, for the vote to be official. A two-thirds (2/3) majority and official vote, by the active members present and/or electronically submitted, that are entitled to vote, is required to pass a By-Law change.

Note: Paragraph corrections made to Article XIII.