ByLaws
The standards and expectations outlined below are set forth by the Ilwaco Tuna Club, Ltd. The bylaws as written here are to serve as guidelines for normal operations of the Club and shall be enforced by the Governing Board. These bylaws were adopted initially by the Governing Board on October 1, 2014 and approved by a vote of the then members of the Club. An update to the bylaws was completed in March 2023 and are as follows.
Article I: Name & Registration
The club shall be officially known as the Ilwaco Tuna Club (ITC) and is hereby referred to as the “Club” in this document. The Club is registered with the State of Washington with the original data of incorporation as 10/01/2014.
Article II: Purpose
Clubs purpose is to establish an organization of fishermen that work together to create support for offshore fishing by reducing costs and providing logistics to enhance our offshore experience through group collaboration. Specific member benefits are as follows:
1. Maintain ‘fun factor’
2. Maintain control of membership to insure enjoyable experience for all
3. Maintain control of group image/branding to build a prestigious club long term
Article III: Membership Eligibility
The club, at the direction of the President, will have a 3-person membership committee to handle the vetting and development of membership status and new members. This committee will report to the President, as needed, (a) collect club dues and other member fees, and (b) maintain an accurate roster of active members complete with current contact information, (c) publish a roster in the newsletter once per year.
Club membership eligibility requirements:
1. Must agree with the purpose and bylaws of the Club
2. Must follow the Code of Conduct (see Article IV)
3. Must be tuna anglers
4. Must be willing to help with maintaining facility and support club events
5. Must be recommended by @ least 2 members
6. Must be vetted and voted in by at least two charter members.
Club membership is on three levels:
1. FLAG (founding members)
2. CHARTER (full participating members)
3. SIGNIFICANT OTHER (spouse or partner of CHARTER or FLAG member, reduced fee)
Article IV: Code of Conduct
All Club members are to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy and conservation and to conduct themselves in a manner that will be a credit to themselves, the Club, and the sport of fishing. Club members are expected to represent the club in an ethical and positive manner at all times. Any member found to be in violation of the Code of Conduct shall be subject to review by the Governing Board, which may impose a penalty deemed proportional to the severity of the infraction and consistent with other penalties imposed for similar infractions. Such penalties may include, but are not limited to, disqualification from participation in Club activities and may also include termination of membership from the Club depending on severity of infraction.
All club members also have the right to inform the Governing Board if they feel they have been harassed, in any form, and ask the Board to review and discuss the offense with all involved parties. This will require a simple majority of the Board to participate in the review and interview all parties involved. Final determination of penalties will be handled by the Board and all decisions are final at that time. Penalties could be ranging from a verbal communication to refrain from future activities deemed as harassment to the extreme penalty of expulsion from the club and forfeiture of club dues.
Article V: Member in Good Standing
A member in good standing is one who has his/her Club dues paid in full and adheres to the enclosed bylaws. This entitles members to attend meetings and vote and participate in all club activities.
Article VI: Violation of Bylaws
A member found in violation of the Club’s bylaws may be discharged from the Club by a majority vote of the officers. Dues are not refundable. Request for reinstatement can be applied for after one calendar year.
Article VII: Officers
The Club shall every biennial elect from its membership: (a) a president, (b) a vice president, (c) a secretary, (d) a treasurer and (e) a sergeant at arms. These five officers shall be eligible for re-election and shall constitute the Club’s Governing Board. The board shall present a slate of candidates reflecting this progression for office and shall be nominated during the second regular meeting in October with placement of new Board members occurring the following January. This will then be communicated to the membership prior to the next board meeting following the election. Officers shall be elected from the Flag and Charter members that are active participants in current club meetings and events. It is important that the (All) Board Members understand the expectation of these positions by participating in club meetings and events/event planning so we can continue to improve the club and its benefits.
The President shall: (a) schedule regular Club and special Governing Board meetings, (b) preside over all meetings, (c) appoint such committees as deemed necessary, (d) actively pursue development and enhancement of the Club, (e) oversee general operations of the Club, and (f) cancel meetings in the event of as conditions warrant.
The Vice President shall: (a) serve the duties of the president in the event of his or her absence, (b) perform additional duties as assigned by the president.
The Secretary shall: (a) record the minutes at all Club and Governing Board meetings, (b) maintain an organized system for storing minutes and other Club documents to be passed down to future officers, (c) maintain club history and photo library, (d) do club correspondence, (e) perform additional duties as assigned by the president.
The Treasurer shall: (a) manage the financial business of the Club, (b) keep an organized record of Club financial and report on financial to the membership at regular meetings, (c) assist the president and Governing Board in creating a budget for the Club, (d) and perform additional duties as assigned by the president.
The Sergeant at Arms shall: (a) arrange the meeting location including tables and chairs, (b) prepare or arrange food, (c) have handouts ready for distribution during board meetings, (d) call the meeting to order, (e) maintain order during board meetings and other functions, (f) introduce guests.
Any expenditure over $500.00 must have the approval of an officer. Any expenditure over $1000.00 needs majority approval by the Governing Board.
Compensation: Officers shall receive no financial compensation, no decrease in membership dues, and no other increased benefit of the club.
Should any elected officer be unwilling or unable to fulfill the duties outlined above, the officer shall be removed from the office pending a vote by the Club and the president shall be responsible for filling the vacant spot with a timely appointment who shall serve out the remaining term of position.
Article VIII: Working Board
The Working Board will meet prior to or after the first meeting as called for by the president and shall be the policy making body of the Club, with the recommended policies being subject to approval by the membership. Club Officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Sergeant at Arms) plus the past President of the club and committee heads will constitute the Working Board, each having one vote. Any member in good standing can attend any board meeting but they cannot vote.
1. The Club President will preside over the Board.
2. The outgoing President will fill the Past President seat on the Working Board.
3. Board will receive no financial compensation.
4. A quorum must be present for any action to be considered and voted upon by the Working Board. A quorum is present when one half of the board is present plus one other member.
Duties of the Board shall be:
1. Have charge of the business affairs of the club
2. Have the authority to modify or change any of the Club’s or Committee’s rules temporarily or permanently.
3. Submit proposed membership dues for approval by the general membership.
4. Insure that the bylaws are enforced.
5. Have the authority to recommend the revision of these bylaws
6. Have the authority to dismiss or suspend any member for conduct, which in
their judgment, may endanger the welfare, interests, good order, or reputation of the Club.
7. To insure that the financial records are in order, the board may call for an
audit at any time of the Treasury and make recommendations upon the findings.
8. Insure that no correspondence, or correspondence with the Club letterhead, is conducted without the approval of the board.
9. Be required to attend all Board meetings and notify the president if they cannot attend. In the event they cannot contact the President, they may notify another Board member who will attend and present their views.
10. See that no activity implies endorsement, acknowledgement, or sponsorship of or by the Club or is initiated or conducted without the approval of the Board.
Article IX: Dues
The amount of dues will be established by the Club Officers at the last meeting of the calendar year. The Fiscal year of the club shall be the calendar year beginning January 1 and ending December 31 of each year. Dues are non-refundable and shall be paid to the treasurer for anyone 18 years and older (in person or by mail) no later than May 31st of each year. From June 1st to July 1st a current member can still pay their dues with a $50 late fee. Any member who fails to pay the dues by July 1 shall automatically cease to be a member of the Club. The newsletter will be e-mail only. Submission of a new “Application for Membership” together along with their dues, the new member has so acknowledged and accepted all terms and conditions of the By-Laws of the ITC as presented here.
Current yearly membership rates (2023):
1. Flag member: $600/yr
2. Charter member: $600/yr
a. Additional significant other or immediate family member: $300/yr
Article X: Meetings
Meetings will be scheduled at the request of the President and shall be no less than twice per year. All meeting dates will be approved by the Governing Board and announced to the general membership at least two weeks in advance of the meeting via the newsletter. The general Membership Meeting agenda shall be as follows:
1. The call of meeting to order by the president. 2. Introduction of the officers. 3. Welcome new members – Acknowledgement and brief introductions 4. Welcome guests – show of hands. 5. Reading of the minutes of the last meeting. The membership may vote to suspend reading of the minutes and accept them as recorded in the newsletter. 6. Treasurer’s report 7. Announcements 8. Old Business 9. New Business
Article XI: Tax Status
The Club shall not conduct or carry on any activities not permitted by an organization which is tax-exempt under the provisions of current IRS Tax code.
Article XII: Waiver of Liability
Each member assumes the risk of his or her injury or loss associated with any Club activity. Fishing trips, in particular, involve inherent and unavoidable risks, and each member is personally and solely responsible for knowing how to swim, knowing water safety, observing river conditions, and supplying and using a PFD. All coordination of Club activities is conducted by unpaid member volunteers solely for the convenience of others. These volunteers assume no responsibility for the knowledge, well-being or safety of participants. In recognition of the above, and in consideration of acceptance as a Club member and of the services of the Club, each member releases the Club and Club’s officers and other members from all liability to him/her, his/her spouse, parents, legal representatives, heirs and cannot under any circumstances alleged blame for any damages associated with a Club activity, for injury to person or property, or death, whether caused by the negligence of our Club, its officers or members, or otherwise.
Article XIII: Bylaws
Bylaws will be reviewed by each year by ITC Governing Board and changes will be made as needed. The general membership can request a copy of the rules and bylaws upon receipt of their membership fee.
Article XIV: Changes in Bylaws
Amendments to these bylaws may be made in the following manner only. These bylaws may be amended by the club’s Governing Board as needed. The general membership may request changes in the bylaws by submitting such proposed changes in writing to the Governing Board. The Governing Board, upon receipt, shall review the proposal and respond to the person submitting such proposal.
Any changes to the bylaws as approved by the Governing Board shall be presented to the general membership one month prior to vote at a general membership meeting and shall be published in the next newsletter. The bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present at a regular monthly meeting, and a quorum must be present (a quorum is defined as twenty-five percent of members in good standing).
Revised 03 31 2023BoD
The standards and expectations outlined below are set forth by the Ilwaco Tuna Club, Ltd. The bylaws as written here are to serve as guidelines for normal operations of the Club and shall be enforced by the Governing Board. These bylaws were adopted initially by the Governing Board on October 1, 2014 and approved by a vote of the then members of the Club. An update to the bylaws was completed in March 2023 and are as follows.
Article I: Name & Registration
The club shall be officially known as the Ilwaco Tuna Club (ITC) and is hereby referred to as the “Club” in this document. The Club is registered with the State of Washington with the original data of incorporation as 10/01/2014.
Article II: Purpose
Clubs purpose is to establish an organization of fishermen that work together to create support for offshore fishing by reducing costs and providing logistics to enhance our offshore experience through group collaboration. Specific member benefits are as follows:
- Provide support to our local community
- Be a value-added organization in the eyes of the community
- Tuna fishing intel
- Other fishing intel like lingcod, rockfish, salmon, sturgeon, halibut, and crabbing.
- Friendships beyond the club.
- Kick off events and parties at the Club.
- 2 Complimentary nights at 215 when/if available
- Reduced rates for nightly stays at 215 when/if available
- Access to bathrooms and showers
- A place to hang out all year.
- Meeting place before and after fishing to discuss the days plans/events.
- Food and beverages throughout the year.
- Fish Processing and Storage
- Boat Ice
1. Maintain ‘fun factor’
2. Maintain control of membership to insure enjoyable experience for all
3. Maintain control of group image/branding to build a prestigious club long term
Article III: Membership Eligibility
The club, at the direction of the President, will have a 3-person membership committee to handle the vetting and development of membership status and new members. This committee will report to the President, as needed, (a) collect club dues and other member fees, and (b) maintain an accurate roster of active members complete with current contact information, (c) publish a roster in the newsletter once per year.
Club membership eligibility requirements:
1. Must agree with the purpose and bylaws of the Club
2. Must follow the Code of Conduct (see Article IV)
3. Must be tuna anglers
4. Must be willing to help with maintaining facility and support club events
5. Must be recommended by @ least 2 members
6. Must be vetted and voted in by at least two charter members.
Club membership is on three levels:
1. FLAG (founding members)
2. CHARTER (full participating members)
3. SIGNIFICANT OTHER (spouse or partner of CHARTER or FLAG member, reduced fee)
Article IV: Code of Conduct
All Club members are to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy and conservation and to conduct themselves in a manner that will be a credit to themselves, the Club, and the sport of fishing. Club members are expected to represent the club in an ethical and positive manner at all times. Any member found to be in violation of the Code of Conduct shall be subject to review by the Governing Board, which may impose a penalty deemed proportional to the severity of the infraction and consistent with other penalties imposed for similar infractions. Such penalties may include, but are not limited to, disqualification from participation in Club activities and may also include termination of membership from the Club depending on severity of infraction.
All club members also have the right to inform the Governing Board if they feel they have been harassed, in any form, and ask the Board to review and discuss the offense with all involved parties. This will require a simple majority of the Board to participate in the review and interview all parties involved. Final determination of penalties will be handled by the Board and all decisions are final at that time. Penalties could be ranging from a verbal communication to refrain from future activities deemed as harassment to the extreme penalty of expulsion from the club and forfeiture of club dues.
Article V: Member in Good Standing
A member in good standing is one who has his/her Club dues paid in full and adheres to the enclosed bylaws. This entitles members to attend meetings and vote and participate in all club activities.
Article VI: Violation of Bylaws
A member found in violation of the Club’s bylaws may be discharged from the Club by a majority vote of the officers. Dues are not refundable. Request for reinstatement can be applied for after one calendar year.
Article VII: Officers
The Club shall every biennial elect from its membership: (a) a president, (b) a vice president, (c) a secretary, (d) a treasurer and (e) a sergeant at arms. These five officers shall be eligible for re-election and shall constitute the Club’s Governing Board. The board shall present a slate of candidates reflecting this progression for office and shall be nominated during the second regular meeting in October with placement of new Board members occurring the following January. This will then be communicated to the membership prior to the next board meeting following the election. Officers shall be elected from the Flag and Charter members that are active participants in current club meetings and events. It is important that the (All) Board Members understand the expectation of these positions by participating in club meetings and events/event planning so we can continue to improve the club and its benefits.
The President shall: (a) schedule regular Club and special Governing Board meetings, (b) preside over all meetings, (c) appoint such committees as deemed necessary, (d) actively pursue development and enhancement of the Club, (e) oversee general operations of the Club, and (f) cancel meetings in the event of as conditions warrant.
The Vice President shall: (a) serve the duties of the president in the event of his or her absence, (b) perform additional duties as assigned by the president.
The Secretary shall: (a) record the minutes at all Club and Governing Board meetings, (b) maintain an organized system for storing minutes and other Club documents to be passed down to future officers, (c) maintain club history and photo library, (d) do club correspondence, (e) perform additional duties as assigned by the president.
The Treasurer shall: (a) manage the financial business of the Club, (b) keep an organized record of Club financial and report on financial to the membership at regular meetings, (c) assist the president and Governing Board in creating a budget for the Club, (d) and perform additional duties as assigned by the president.
The Sergeant at Arms shall: (a) arrange the meeting location including tables and chairs, (b) prepare or arrange food, (c) have handouts ready for distribution during board meetings, (d) call the meeting to order, (e) maintain order during board meetings and other functions, (f) introduce guests.
Any expenditure over $500.00 must have the approval of an officer. Any expenditure over $1000.00 needs majority approval by the Governing Board.
Compensation: Officers shall receive no financial compensation, no decrease in membership dues, and no other increased benefit of the club.
Should any elected officer be unwilling or unable to fulfill the duties outlined above, the officer shall be removed from the office pending a vote by the Club and the president shall be responsible for filling the vacant spot with a timely appointment who shall serve out the remaining term of position.
Article VIII: Working Board
The Working Board will meet prior to or after the first meeting as called for by the president and shall be the policy making body of the Club, with the recommended policies being subject to approval by the membership. Club Officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Sergeant at Arms) plus the past President of the club and committee heads will constitute the Working Board, each having one vote. Any member in good standing can attend any board meeting but they cannot vote.
1. The Club President will preside over the Board.
2. The outgoing President will fill the Past President seat on the Working Board.
3. Board will receive no financial compensation.
4. A quorum must be present for any action to be considered and voted upon by the Working Board. A quorum is present when one half of the board is present plus one other member.
Duties of the Board shall be:
1. Have charge of the business affairs of the club
2. Have the authority to modify or change any of the Club’s or Committee’s rules temporarily or permanently.
3. Submit proposed membership dues for approval by the general membership.
4. Insure that the bylaws are enforced.
5. Have the authority to recommend the revision of these bylaws
6. Have the authority to dismiss or suspend any member for conduct, which in
their judgment, may endanger the welfare, interests, good order, or reputation of the Club.
7. To insure that the financial records are in order, the board may call for an
audit at any time of the Treasury and make recommendations upon the findings.
8. Insure that no correspondence, or correspondence with the Club letterhead, is conducted without the approval of the board.
9. Be required to attend all Board meetings and notify the president if they cannot attend. In the event they cannot contact the President, they may notify another Board member who will attend and present their views.
10. See that no activity implies endorsement, acknowledgement, or sponsorship of or by the Club or is initiated or conducted without the approval of the Board.
Article IX: Dues
The amount of dues will be established by the Club Officers at the last meeting of the calendar year. The Fiscal year of the club shall be the calendar year beginning January 1 and ending December 31 of each year. Dues are non-refundable and shall be paid to the treasurer for anyone 18 years and older (in person or by mail) no later than May 31st of each year. From June 1st to July 1st a current member can still pay their dues with a $50 late fee. Any member who fails to pay the dues by July 1 shall automatically cease to be a member of the Club. The newsletter will be e-mail only. Submission of a new “Application for Membership” together along with their dues, the new member has so acknowledged and accepted all terms and conditions of the By-Laws of the ITC as presented here.
Current yearly membership rates (2023):
1. Flag member: $600/yr
2. Charter member: $600/yr
a. Additional significant other or immediate family member: $300/yr
Article X: Meetings
Meetings will be scheduled at the request of the President and shall be no less than twice per year. All meeting dates will be approved by the Governing Board and announced to the general membership at least two weeks in advance of the meeting via the newsletter. The general Membership Meeting agenda shall be as follows:
1. The call of meeting to order by the president. 2. Introduction of the officers. 3. Welcome new members – Acknowledgement and brief introductions 4. Welcome guests – show of hands. 5. Reading of the minutes of the last meeting. The membership may vote to suspend reading of the minutes and accept them as recorded in the newsletter. 6. Treasurer’s report 7. Announcements 8. Old Business 9. New Business
Article XI: Tax Status
The Club shall not conduct or carry on any activities not permitted by an organization which is tax-exempt under the provisions of current IRS Tax code.
Article XII: Waiver of Liability
Each member assumes the risk of his or her injury or loss associated with any Club activity. Fishing trips, in particular, involve inherent and unavoidable risks, and each member is personally and solely responsible for knowing how to swim, knowing water safety, observing river conditions, and supplying and using a PFD. All coordination of Club activities is conducted by unpaid member volunteers solely for the convenience of others. These volunteers assume no responsibility for the knowledge, well-being or safety of participants. In recognition of the above, and in consideration of acceptance as a Club member and of the services of the Club, each member releases the Club and Club’s officers and other members from all liability to him/her, his/her spouse, parents, legal representatives, heirs and cannot under any circumstances alleged blame for any damages associated with a Club activity, for injury to person or property, or death, whether caused by the negligence of our Club, its officers or members, or otherwise.
Article XIII: Bylaws
Bylaws will be reviewed by each year by ITC Governing Board and changes will be made as needed. The general membership can request a copy of the rules and bylaws upon receipt of their membership fee.
Article XIV: Changes in Bylaws
Amendments to these bylaws may be made in the following manner only. These bylaws may be amended by the club’s Governing Board as needed. The general membership may request changes in the bylaws by submitting such proposed changes in writing to the Governing Board. The Governing Board, upon receipt, shall review the proposal and respond to the person submitting such proposal.
Any changes to the bylaws as approved by the Governing Board shall be presented to the general membership one month prior to vote at a general membership meeting and shall be published in the next newsletter. The bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present at a regular monthly meeting, and a quorum must be present (a quorum is defined as twenty-five percent of members in good standing).
Revised 03 31 2023BoD