BYLAWS

                                                                            OF

                                                   THE GREENWOOD GUN CLUB, INC.

 

                                                               A Texas Corporation

 

                                                                      ARTICLE I

 

                                                               NAME AND OBJECT

 

Section 1.  Name.  The name of this corporation is the Greenwood Gun Club, Inc.

Section 2.  Object.  The object for which this corporation is for the encouragement of responsible shooting among residents of the State of Texas, with the view toward a better knowledge on the part of such persons of the safe handling and proper care of firearms, as well as improved marksmanship.  It shall be a further object and purpose to cultivate the development of those characteristics of honesty, good fellowship, self-discipline, team play and self-reliance, which are essentials of good sportsmanship and the foundation of true patriotism.

 

                                                                      ARTICLE II

 

                                                                   MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1.  Types of Membership.  The membership of this corporation shall consist of MEMBERS, SENIOR MEMBERS LIFE MEMBERS, COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERS, and JUNIOR MEMBERS.  The Board of Directors may change, add or delete all but the “MEMBERS” category of membership.

 

Section 2.  Membership Privileges. 

 

   A.   MEMBERS shall have the exclusive privilege of representing themselves as MEMBERS, of holding office, of voting on amendments to the Bylaws, and of nominating and voting for officers and directors, and the privileges that are common to all classes of membership.

 

   B.   LIFE MEMBERS shall have the exclusive privilege of representing themselves as LIFE MEMBERS and shall also have all privileges that are common to MEMBERS.

 

   C.   COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERS shall have the exclusive privilege of representing themselves as COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERS and shall also have the privileges that are common to all classes of membership, but not the privileges of nominating, voting or holding office.

 

D.     JUNIOR MEMBERS shall have the exclusive privilege of representing themselves as JUNIOR MEMBERS.  The privileges of JUNIOR MEMBERS are limited solely to use of the corporation's facilities for match competition practice and then only under the supervision of an adult over the age of 21 years.  JUNIOR MEMBERS shall have no privileges of nominating, voting or holding office.

 

E.     SENIOR MEMBERS shall have the exclusive privilege of representing themselves as SENIOR MEMBERS and shall also have the all privileges that are common to MEMBERS.  SENIOR MEMBERS shall be 65 years of age and have been a continuous member of Greenwood Gun Club for the previous five (5) years.

 

Section 3.  Membership Eligibility.

 

   A.   A candidate for election as MEMBER shall be any person who is a legal resident of the State of Texas and who is 18 years of age or older and who has completed the following requirements:

 

          1.  Has been nominated for membership by an existing MEMBER who has completed a minimum of one-year active participation in the corporation and who is currently in good standing.  The nominator affirms that he knows the applicant to be one of good character and vouches for him/her.

          2.  Has submitted to the Membership Director of the corporation a written application for membership on a form approved by the Board of Directors.

         3.  Has submitted to the Membership Director of the corporation a non-refundable initiation fee.

4. Has met all the requirements promulgated by the Board of Directors, attended the designated safety orientation and has attended a specified Board of Directors meeting and received a majority vote of approval of the Board of Directors.

          5. Has executed an indemnity agreement which indemnifies the corporation.  The indemnity agreement will be in a form approved by the Board of Directors.

 

   B.   A candidate for election as LIFE MEMBER shall be any MEMBER in good standing who has been recommended for this membership by the Board of Directors and whose recommendation has been approved by a majority of the MEMBERS present at the corporation's annual meeting.

 

   C.   A candidate for election as COMPLIMENTARY MEMBER shall be any person who is engaged in area law enforcement, government or other endeavors and whose membership would enhance the corporation and who has been elected to this membership by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

 

   D.   A candidate for election as JUNIOR MEMBER shall be any person who is at least 14 years of age but not more than 20 years of age, or a full time student up to 25 years of age, who is a resident of the State of Texas, and who has completed the following requirements:

 

          1.  Has been nominated for membership by an existing MEMBER who has completed a minimum of one-year active participation in the corporation and who is currently in good standing.

          2.  Has submitted to the Membership Director of the corporation a written application for membership on a form approved by the Board of Directors.

          3.  Has submitted to the Treasurer of the corporation a non-refundable initiation fee.

          4.  Has met all the requirements promulgated by the Board of Directors, attended a specific Board of Directors meeting and received a majority vote of approval of the Board of Directors.

          5. Has a parent, managing conservator, possessory conservator or guardian who is currently on the waiting list for membership in the corporation.     

          6. If 18 years of age or older, has executed an indemnity agreement which indemnifies the corporation.  The indemnity agreement will be in a form approved by the Board of Directors.

          7. If 17 years of age or under, has executed an indemnity agreement, that has also be signed by the applicant's parent, managing conservator, possessory conservator or guardian, which indemnifies the corporation and the owner of the property on which the corporation's facilities are located.  The indemnity agreement will be in a form approved by the Board of Directors.

 

                                                                     ARTICLE III

 

                                                                 DUES AND FEES

 

Section 1.  Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of the corporation shall commence on January first and terminate on December thirty-first of each year.

 

Section 2.  Dues.  The Board of Directors shall from time to time establish a schedule of the annual dues to be paid by the various categories  of membership and the manner in which the same shall be paid.

 

Section 3.  Initiation Fees.  The Board of Directors shall from time to time establish the amount of the initiation fee to be paid by new members.  These fees shall be placed in a special account for the purpose of land acquisition.

 

Section 4.  LIFE MEMBER and COMPLIMENTARY MEMBER Dues.  LIFE MEMBERS and COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERS shall not be required to pay dues to the corporation.

 

Section 5.  Non Payment of Dues.                                  

 

   A.   Dues are payable by December 31st of each year for the following year.

 

   B.   Dues may be paid up until the Annual Meeting or in person at the Annual Meeting without penalty.    

 

   C.   A late fee determined by the Board of Directors may be assessed for dues payment after the Annual Meeting.    


 

   D.   After April 30th, late membership renewals will be placed at the end of the list of new member applications subject to the maximum membership requirements.

 

E.   Membership rights shall be suspended after the Annual Meeting until dues are paid.

 

F.       A new initiation fee will be required after one year.

 

G.        A Members who move out of the area and drop their membership may be reinstated by placing their name at the top of the waiting list provided they have notified the Membership Director prior to dropping their membership.  No initiation fee will be required.

 

                                                                     ARTICLE IV

 

                                                                      GENERAL

 

Section 1.  Membership Limits. 

 

   A.   The Board of Directors shall from time to time, by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board of Directors then in office, establish the maximum number of MEMBERS of the corporation.  Not more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the actual number of MEMBERS may be non-Brazoria County, Texas, residents.  Only the MEMBER category counts toward this maximum number.

 

   B.   The number of LIFE MEMBERS in the corporation shall not exceed a maximum of 25 at any one time.

 

   C.   The number of COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERS in the corporation shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

   D.   The number of JUNIOR MEMBERS in the corporation shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

   E.   Any reduction in the maximum number of MEMBERS, approved by the Board of Directors, shall be accomplished only through attrition.

 

                                                                      ARTICLE V

 

                                                            BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Section 1.  Powers.  The business, property and affairs of the corporation shall be managed and controlled by the Board of Directors.  Subject to the restrictions imposed by law, by the Articles of Incorporation or by these By-laws, the Board of Directors shall exercise all of the powers of the corporation.

 

Section 2.  Number.  The number of Directors, which shall constitute the Board, shall consist of not less than eight (8) nor more than twenty-five (25) members.  The number of Directors may from time to time be increased or decreased by vote of two-thirds of the Directors in office at the time, provided that the number of Directors shall not decrease to less than eight (8) and that no decrease shall effect a shortening of the term of any incumbent Director.  Officers are considered a part of the Board of Directors and the numbers above. 

 

Section 3.  Term.  Except as otherwise provided herein, each position on the Board of Directors shall be filled by election of the MEMBERS at the Annual Meeting of the corporation.  All members of the Board of Directors must at all times be MEMBERS of the corporation.  Unless removed in accordance with these By-laws, each director shall hold office for three (3) years and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.  As near as possible to the closest whole number, one-third (1/3) of the Board of Directors shall be elected to office each year.  Nothing herein shall prevent the reelection of any Director.

 

Section 4.  Removal.  Any Director or Executive Officer may be removed from office, with or without cause, by a vote of two-thirds of the Board of Directors then in office, at a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors, called for that purpose.  Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors, whether by increase in the number of Directors or otherwise, shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors then in office though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors.


Section 5.  Directors may include but not be limited to the following:

 

1) Shooting Discipline Directors.

a)  Highpower Rifle; this position includes Service Rifle, National Match Rifle, and Silhouette.

b)  Pistol; this position includes , Cowboy Action, Practical and Silhouette Shooting.

c)  Shotgun

d)  Blackpowder

e)  Archery

2) Activity Directors:

a)  Safety

b)  Membership

c)  Hunter 1

d)  Hunter 2

e)  At Large 1

f)    Maintenance

g)  Legislative

h)  Women’s Issues

 

Section 6.  Compensation.  No Director shall receive any salary or other compensation for his services as such
Director, provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude any such person from serving the corporation in any other capacity or receiving compensation thereof.

 

                                                                     ARTICLE VI

 

                                                                      OFFICERS

Section 1.  Titles and Terms of Office.  Officers shall be elected annually by the Club’s membership. Each such Officer shall hold office until the corresponding meeting in the next year and until his successor shall have been duly chosen and qualified, or until he shall have resigned or been removed, in the manner provided in these By-laws.  Any vacancy in any of such offices may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by the Board of Directors, at any Regular Meeting or at any Special Meeting called for such purpose.

 

Section 2.  President.  Subject to the direction and control of the Board of Directors, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the corporation and shall have direct charge of and supervision over the business and operation of the corporation.  The president may sign or execute, in the name of the corporation, all promissory notes or other debt obligations, all deeds, mortgages, contracts or other undertakings or instruments except in cases where the signing or execution thereof shall have been expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some other Officer or agent of the corporation.

 

Section 3.  Vice-President.  The Vice-President shall have such powers and perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to him, either generally or in specific instances, by the Board of Directors or the President.  The Vice-President may perform any of the duties or exercise any of the powers of the President (1) at the request of the President, (2) in the absence or disability of the President, or (3) otherwise as occasion may require in the administration of the business and affairs of the corporation.  To establish the authority of the Vice-President to sign or execute any contract, bond, note or other undertaking or instrument or to take any other action on behalf of the corporation, it shall not be necessary to furnish proof of any request by, or of the absence or disability of the President.

 

Section 4.  Secretary.  The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors, in books provided for the purpose; he shall see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these By-laws or as required by law; he shall perform all duties incident to the office of a secretary of a corporation and such other duties as, from time to time, may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 5.  Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall have charge of and be responsible for all funds, securities, receipts and disbursements of the corporation, and shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, in the name of the corporation, all monies or other valuable effects in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as shall, from time to time, be selected by the Board of Directors; he shall render to the President and to the Board of Directors, whenever requested, an account of the financial condition of the corporation; and, in general, shall perform all duties incident to the office of a treasurer of a corporation, and such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 6.  Assistant Officers.  The Board of Directors may appoint one or more Assistant Secretaries and one or more Assistant Treasurers from the membership of the Board of Directors.  Each Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer shall hold office for such period as the Board of Directors may prescribe.  Any Assistant Secretary may perform any of the duties or exercise any of the powers of the Secretary or otherwise as occasion may require in the administration of the business and affairs of the corporation, and any Assistant Treasurer may perform any of the duties or exercise any of the powers of the Treasurer at the request or in the absence or disability of the Treasurer or otherwise as occasion may require in the administration of the business and affairs of the corporation.  Each Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer shall perform such other duties and/or exercise such other powers, if any, as the Board of Directors shall prescribe.  To establish the authority of an Assistant Secretary or an Assistant Treasurer to take any action on behalf of the corporation in place of the Secretary or the Treasurer, as the case may be, it shall not be necessary to furnish proof of any request by, or in the absence or disability of, the Secretary or Treasurer or any other Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer, respectively.

 

Section 7.  Compensation.  No Officer shall receive any salary or other compensation for his services as such Officer, provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude any such person from serving the corporation in any other capacity or receiving compensation thereof.

 

Section 8.  Removal.  Any Officer of the corporation may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the entire Board of Directors at any Regular Meeting or at any Special Meeting called for that purpose.

 

                                                                     ARTICLE VII

 

                                             MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Section 1.  Regular Meetings.  Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held monthly at such place, at such hour and on such day as may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors, without further notice of such meetings.  The time or place of holding Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors may be changed by the President by giving written notice thereof as provided in Section 3 of this Article VII.

 

Section 2.  Special Meetings.  Special Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held, whenever called by the Board of Directors, at such place, at such hour and on such day as may be stated in the notice of the meeting.

 

Section 3.  Notice.  Written notice of the time and place of, and general nature of the business to be transacted at, all Special Meetings of the Board of Directors, and written notice of any change in place, hour and day of the Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors, shall be given to each member of the Board of Directors, either personally or by mail at least one (1) day before the day of the meeting.

 

Section 4.  Quorum.  The presence in person or by proxy of sixty percent (60%) of the total number of members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum of the Board of Directors (rounded up to the next greater whole person where 60% of the total members of the Board of Directors does not equal a whole number) for transaction of business.  Except as otherwise provided by law or in these By-laws, all questions shall be decided by the vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors present in person or by proxy.

 

Section 5.  Voting.  Board members serving in more than one position shall have only one vote.

 

                                                                    ARTICLE VIII

 

                                                 COMMITTEES OF THE CORPORATION

 

Section 1.  Special Committees.  Special Committees may be appointed and their duties fixed by the President as special problems and activities may require.  Such Special Committees, however, shall not be authorized to incur any expense or create any obligations, unless the Board of Directors shall specially authorize the same.

 

Section 2.  Ex-Officio Members.  The President of the corporation shall be an ex-officio member of all committees of the corporation established pursuant to this Article VIII.


                                                                              ARTICLE IX

 

                                                                     EXPULSION

 

Section 1.  Procedure for Expulsion.  If any MEMBER, LIFE MEMBER, COMPLIMENTARY MEMBER or JUNIOR MEMBER of this corporation shall, at any time, be deemed guilty of any act which is prejudicial to this corporation, or to the purposes for which it is formed, such MEMBER, LIFE MEMBER, COMPLIMENTARY MEMBER or JUNIOR MEMBER shall be notified to appear personally at the next Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors and shall then and there be given a hearing.  By a majority vote of the Members of the Board of Directors present, such Member may be expelled from membership in this corporation.

 

Section 2.  Charges.  Charges against a MEMBER, LIFE MEMBER, COMPLIMENTARY MEMBER or JUNIOR MEMBER may be preferred by any MEMBER, LIFE MEMBER, COMPLIMENTARY MEMBER or JUNIOR MEMBER in good standing.  The charge must be in writing, directed to the Secretary of the corporation, clearly state the facts and be accompanied by all evidence to be used in supporting the facts.

 

                                                                      ARTICLE X

 

                                                          MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

 

Section 1.  Annual Meeting.  The Annual Meeting of the Members of the corporation shall be held on the second Thursday in February of each year (or on such other date as determined by the Board of Directors) at such place and at such hour as may be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors and on any subsequent day or days to which such meeting may be adjourned, for the purposes of electing Directors & Officers and of transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting.  At least ten (10) days notice shall be given to the Members of the place, hour and day so fixed by the Board of Directors.  If for any reason the Annual Meeting shall not be held on the day designated herein, the Board of Directors shall cause the Annual Meeting to be held as soon thereafter as may be convenient.

 

Section 2.  Special Meetings.  Special Meetings of the Members may be called at any time by the President of the corporation, the Board of Directors or upon demand in writing stating the object of the proposed meeting and signed by not less than twenty (20%) percent of the MEMBERS entitled to vote.  In such event, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the corporation to fix the place, hour and day of the meeting to be held and to give due notice thereof.  If the Secretary of the corporation shall neglect or refuse to fix the place, hour and day of such Special Meeting and give notice thereof, the President of the corporation may do so.

 

Section 3.  Notice of Meetings.  Written notice of every meeting of the Members shall be given by the Secretary of the corporation to each Member by placing such notice in the mail at least ten (10) days, but not more than thirty (30) days, prior to the day named for the meeting, addressed to each member at the address appearing on the corporation records.

 

Section 4.  Quorum.  Except as otherwise provided by law or by these By-laws, as amended, the presence in person or by proxy of ten percent (10%) of the MEMBERS of the corporation who are entitled to vote or fifty (50) MEMBERS, which ever is less, shall constitute a quorum at each meeting of the Members and all questions shall be decided by vote of the majority of the MEMBERS so present in person or by proxy.  Each MEMBER shall be entitled to one (1) vote, and no MEMBER shall be entitled to cumulate votes with respect to the election of Directors & Officers.  The MEMBERS present at any duly organized meeting may continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough MEMBERS to leave less than a quorum.

 

                                                                     ARTICLE XI

 

                                                ELECTION OF OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

 

Section 1.  Nomination of Officers & Directors.  The President of the corporation shall propose to the Board of Directors the members of the Nominating Committee at the August Board of Directors meeting.  The nominating committee shall, at the November Board of Directors meeting, provide a suitable ballot with one or more nominees for each upcoming vacancy of Officers and Directors.  When considering nominees for the various upcoming vacancies on Directors, the nominating committee and nominations from the floor must insure that each of the four core shooting disciplines (rifle, shotgun, pistol and archery) is represented, at all times, by a discipline member as a Director on the Board of Directors.  Nominations may be made from the floor at the November Board of Directors meeting by any MEMBER or LIFE MEMBER in good standing.  Nominees for Officers and Directors must have been a member in good standing for a minimum of one (1) year.

 

Section 2.  Election of Officers & Directors.  The Secretary of the corporation shall prepare a ballot from the slate of nominees prepared under Section 1 of this Article.  The ballot shall list each candidate and shall show the vacant director's & officer’s position for which the candidate is running.  The ballots shall be mailed, by U.S. Mail, on or before December 31st to each MEMBER and LIFE MEMBER whose membership dues are not in arrears.  The ballots must be received by the corporation at or before the Annual Meeting.  Of the candidates running for a particular vacant director's or officer’s position, the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes cast shall be elected to that particular director's or officer’s position.  The incumbent Board of Directors shall decide any tie votes.

 

                                                                     ARTICLE XII

 

                                                                   AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1.  Procedure.  These Bylaws may be altered, amended, added to, or repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the MEMBERS and LIFE MEMBERS casting ballots.  They shall be mailed to all members with counting to occur 35 days after mailing.

 

Section 2.  Proposals.  Amendments to these By-laws may be proposed in any of the following ways:

 

   A.   By a majority vote of the eligible voting members of the corporation, attending the annual Members Meeting, provided at least ten (10%) of the MEMBERS are present.

 

   B.   By a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Board of Directors of the corporation.

 

   C.   By a petition, presented to the Board of Directors of the corporation by any MEMBER in good standing, bearing the signature of at least ten (10%) percent of the MEMBERS of the corporation. 

 

 

Adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the MEMBERS voting and ratified by the Board of Directors this ______ day of ___________________________, 2005.

 

 

                    ________________________________

           President

 

ATTESTED: ________________________________

          Secretary