Bonneville Basin Kennel Association, Inc.

 CONSTITUTION

 ARTICLE I

Name and Objectives

SECTION 1.     The name of the Association shall be Bonneville Basin Kennel Association, Inc.  (BBKA)
SECTION 2.     The objectives of the Association shall be:

(a)                 To further the advancement of

  •  all breeds of purebred dogs

(b)                 To do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of

  • dogs shows
  • obedience trials
  • tracking tests
  • agility trials
  • to encourage sportsmanlike competition at such events; and

(c)                 To conduct

  • sanctioned matches
  • dog shows
  • and any other event which the Association is eligible under the Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel Club (AKC)

(d)                 To promote and protect dogs in their communities, share in educational programs and appropriate research in veterinary animal science, sponsor training classes and health clinics, and be a responsible breeder locator service.

SECTION 3.     The Association shall be a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the sport of dogs, the welfare of purebred dogs, and responsible dog ownership.  No part of any profits or remainder or residue from dues or donations to the Association shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual.

SECTION 4.     The members of the Association shall adopt, and may, from time to time revise such Bylaws as may be required to carry out these objectives.  The process for any such revisions and adoptions shall be the procedure outlined in Article VII of the Bylaws.

Bonneville Basin Kennel Association, Inc.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I

Membership

SECTION
I.
Eligibility:
There shall be four (4) types of membership open to all individuals who are in good standing with The American Kennel Club (AKC) and who subscribe to the purpose of this Association.  While membership is to be unrestricted as to residence, the Association’s primary purpose is to be representative of the breeders and exhibitors in its immediate area.

SECTION 2.
Types of Membership:

(a)        Regular (individual, eighteen (18) years and older): Enjoy all the privileges of the Association including the right to vote, hold office, sponsor members, and count in the determination of a quorum.
(b)        Household: Two (2) adult members residing in the same household, each eligible to hold office, sponsor members, and count in the determination of a quorum.
(c)        Junior: Open to youth nine (9) to eighteen (18) years of age.  A non-voting/non-office holding membership, which may be automatically convert to regular membership at age eighteen (18) as long as they are a member in good standing with the Association and AKC.  Juniors do not count toward a quorum.  Junior members may only sponsor junior memberships.
(e)                 Life:  For those individuals who have been members for a long period of time (usually 20+ years) and/or who have made significant contributions to the Association.  Life members pay no dues, but are eligible to vote, hold office, and be counted toward a quorum.
SECTION 3.
Dues:
(a)        Annual dues for each type of membership shall be set by the Board of Directors.  Annual dues shall be reviewed on a regular basis and adjusted when appropriate.  If the Board of Directors does not adjust the dues by October 31st, the previous year’s dues shall be applicable.  Dues shall be:

  1. $15 per individual
  2. $20 per household
  3. $10 per junior

(b)        During the month of November the Treasurer shall send to each member a notice of his/her dues for the ensuing year.  This can be by regular mail or e-mail.
(c)        Dues are payable on or before the first day of January of each year.
(d)        There shall be a grace period of thirty (30) days with a $5.00 late fee assessed.  Any membership not renewed by the first day of February shall be considered lapsed.  See Section 5(b).
(e)        The membership dues shall not exceed $25.00 per year.
(f)         No eligible voting members may vote whose dues are not paid for the current year at the time the vote is taken.

SECTION 4.
Election to membership:

(a)        Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as approved by the Board of Directors and which shall provide the applicant agrees to abide by the requirements of membership, Constitution, Bylaws, and Code of Ethics of BBKA and the rules of the American Kennel Club (AKC).  The application shall state the name, address, and occupation of the applicant and it shall carry the endorsement of one (1) member in good standing.
(b)        Accompanying the application, the prospective member shall submit dues payment for the current year and attend one (1) meeting prior to the application being reviewed by the members of the Association.  Any application received after the first day of September, shall have the dues applied through the following year.  The dues payment will be returned if his/her application is not accepted.
(c)        All applications are to be filed with the Membership Chair (or the Secretary if there is no Membership Chair), who shall promptly forward the dues to the Treasurer and copies of the application to the Board of Directors.  Each application is to be read at the first meeting of the Association following its receipt.
(d)        At the next Association meeting the application will be presented to the membership of the Association.  Members will have the opportunity to raise objections at this time.  The members may request a probationary period of the applicant before a final vote for membership is held.  The term of the probationary period shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
(e)        If there are no objections, the application may be voted upon at the next scheduled meeting following the time limit for responses.  Affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at the meeting shall be required to elect the applicant.
(f)         A probationary period may be established for the applicant.  Election as a member of the Association would take place at the next scheduled meeting after the probationary period has ended.
(g)        All prospective members who have been rejected by the Association may not reapply for membership for a minimum of six (6) months after the rejection.

SECTION 5.
Termination of membership:
Memberships may be terminated:

(a)        By resignation.  Any member, in good standing, may resign from the Association upon written notice to the Secretary, but no member may resign when in debt to the Association.  Obligations other than dues are considered a debt to the Association and must be paid in full prior to resignation.  Resignations may be rescinded in writing prior to the next regular meeting.
 (b)        By lapsing.  A membership will be considered as lapsed and automatically terminated if such member’s dues remain unpaid after the first day of February.  However, the Board may grant an additional 30 days of grace for such delinquent members in meritorious cases.  In no case may a person be entitled to vote at any Association meeting or function whose dues are unpaid as of the date of that meeting or function.  Automatic termination of membership requires the member to re-apply for membership.
(c)        By expulsion.  A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article VI, Section 4 of these Bylaws.
SECTION 6.     Members in Good Standing
 (a)        A member in good standing shall be an active member who has paid his/her annual dues, is not indebted to the Association, and has completed any and all assignments as described in the Standing Rules.

 ARTICLE II

MEETINGS

SECTION 1.     Association Meetings
Meetings of the Association shall be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, as such hour and place as designated by the Board of Directors, with the exception of the month of November when the meeting shall be held on the third Wednesday of the month. The quorum for such meetings shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the members in good standing.

SECTION 2.
Special Association Meetings
Special Association meetings may be called by the President, or by a majority vote of the members of the Board who are present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Board; and shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a petition signed by twenty percent (20%) of the members in good standing.  Such special meetings shall be held at such place, date, hour, and for the purpose as may be designated by the person or persons authorized herein to call such meetings.  Written notice of such a meeting shall be mailed or e-mailed by the Secretary at least five (5) days but not more than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting, should state the purpose of the meeting, and no other business will be transacted thereat.  A quorum of such a meeting shall be fifty percent (50%) of the members in good standing.

SECTION 3.
Board Meetings
Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such hour and place as may be designated by the Board.  Notice of such meeting shall be mailed or e-mailed at least five (5) days prior to the date of the meeting.  The quorum of such a meeting shall be a majority of the Board.

SECTION 4.
Special Board Meetings
Special Meetings of the Board may be called by the President and shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a written request signed by at least a majority of the Board.  Such special meetings shall be held at such place, date, and hour as may be designated by the person authorized herein to call such meeting.  Written notice of such meeting shall be mailed or e-mailed at least five (5) days and not more than ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting.  Any such notice shall state the purpose of the meeting, and no other business will be transacted thereat.  A quorum for such a meeting shall be a majority of the Board.

SECTION 5.     Voting
Each member in good standing whose dues are paid for the current year shall be entitled to one vote at any meeting of the Association at which he/she is present.  If there is debt owing to the club in addition to the annual dues, i.e. trophies, advertising, etc., and is more than 60 days past due, the member will not be allowed to vote until the debt is paid.  Proxy voting will not be permitted at any Association meeting or election.

 ARTICLE III

Directors and Officers

SECTION 1.

Board of Directors
(a)        The Board shall be comprised of the officers, as provided in Section 2 of this Article and five (5) other persons as members of the Board of Directors all of whom shall be members in good standing and all of whom
(b)        shall be elected for two (2) years with elections held every other year to overlap the five (5) other members of the Board of Directors at the Associations annual meeting to be held in November of each year and all of whom
(c)        shall serve until their successors are elected.
(d)        General management of the Associations affairs shall be entrusted to the Board of Directors.
(e)        Board members act as chairman for the following committees:
1          Hospitality
2          Publicity and Advertising
3          Fun Matches
4          Education and Training
5          Special committees as required to carry out Association functions
(f)         The immediate past president may serve as an advisor to the President and voting member of the Board of Directors for one year following their term of office.

SECTION 2.     Officers
The Association’s officers, consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the five (5) additional members of the Board of Directors shall serve in their respective capacities both with regard to the Association and its meetings and the Board and its meetings.  All officers and members shall promote and encourage interest and new membership in the Association.

(a)        President
1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and of the Board, and shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of President in addition to those particularly specified in these Bylaws.
2.  Exercise general supervision over the activities of the Association.
3.  Ensure the provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws are observed.
4.  Authorize the Treasurer to make payments which have been approved by the Board.
5.  Provide the Secretary with a copy of all correspondence sent by him/her in and on behalf of the Association.
6.  Shall be responsible for assigning the Board members to committee chairman positions within thirty (30) days after the annual November elections and reassigning them during the year as he/she sees fit.

(b)        Vice President
1.  The Vice President shall have the duties and exercise the powers of the President in case of the President’s death, absence, or incapacity.
2.  Assist in the duties of the President at his/her direction.
3.  Serve as Parliamentarian and Sergeant-at-Arms.
4.  Receive and hear all grievances from members, officers, and board.
5.  Provide the Secretary with a copy of all Association correspondence sent in and on behalf of the Association by him/her.
6.  Assume the duties of secretary in his/her absence at Association or Board meetings.

(c)        Secretary
1.  The secretary shall keep record of all meetings of the Association and of the Board, including accurate recording of motions, votes, abstentions, ballots by mail or other means, and of all matters of which a record shall be ordered by the Association.  Have charge of the correspondence, notify members of meetings, notify new members of their election to membership, notify officers and directors of their election to office, keep a roll of the members of the Association with their addresses, phone numbers, and necessary data, and carry out such other duties as are prescribed in these Bylaws.  Execute and follow up on all Association correspondence and communication.
2.  Maintain accurate files of all Association and Board meetings and any correspondence listed in number one (1) of this section.
3.  Keep a record of attendance and those members that have been excused and/or absent at all general Association and Board meetings.
4.  Provide the members of the Board and the Association membership a copy of the minutes of any Association and Board meetings within ten (10) days of the meeting.  If corrections are noted, corrections should be made and the minutes should be redistributed within five (5) days of noted corrections.
5.  Provide and assist new members in filing out membership application and receive monies of the same.  Ensure that monies are turned over to the Treasurer within five (5) days of receipt of the money.
6.  Present applications to the Board and Association membership as stated in Article I, Section 4 of these Bylaws.
7.  Provide all members with a current copy of the Constitution, Bylaws, Code of Ethics, Standing Rules, and current membership list.
8.  Report all new correspondence sent and received.
9.  Provide an agenda, in proper order, of the Board meetings and General meetings to the presiding officer five (5) days prior to the scheduled meeting.
10.  Sign and date all minutes.

(d)        Treasurer
1.  The Treasurer shall bill, collect, and receive all monies due or belonging to the Association.  Monies shall be deposited in a bank designated by the Board, in the name of the Association.  Two (2) signatures shall be on the account.  Only one (1) signature shall be required as covered in number five (5) of Treasurer responsibilities.  The books shall at all times be open to inspection by the Board and a report shall be given at every meeting on the condition of the Association’s finances and every item of receipt or payment not before reported; and at the annual meeting an accounting shall be rendered of all monies received and expended during the previous fiscal year.  The Treasurer shall be bonded if so directed by the Board of Directors in an amount directed by the Board.
2.  Be custodian of all records and Association property not otherwise provided for.
3.  Issue in duplicate pre-numbered receipts for all monies received.
4.  Shall not pay reimbursement to any member and/or vendor without the original receipt and/or proper documentation for which the reimbursement is being made.  If the original receipt is lost, please complete the lost receipt form which can be obtained from the Treasurer.  Reimbursements over the maximum limit set by the Board will require prior approval from the Board before reimbursement is made.
5.  Shall be authorized to disburse funds necessary to discharge the liabilities of the Association.  This could include but is not limited to the standard bills; Association insurance, judge’s pay at the fall show, rental of items for Association activities, payment to the catering company, website maintenance etc. using only one (1) signature on the checks.  Any check in the amount over $250 will require two (2) signatures, with the exception of the judges pay at the fall show and payment to the catering company once the appropriate documentation has been received.  Such disbursements shall in no event exceed the maximum limit set by the Board policy for which prior approval of the Board of Directors must be obtained before payment can be made.
6. Shall not reimburse him/herself directly.  This reimbursement must by signed by the second signatory.
7.  The Treasurer shall keep a list of debt owing to the Association and shall report such past due debts to the Board of Directors.
8.  The books shall be audited by three (3) members of the Association annually to take place during the month of February each year.
9.  At the end of his/her term of office the books shall be audited by three (3) members of the Association within the thirty (30) days in which the books are to be turned over to the new Treasurer following the annual elections.
10.  The Treasurer shall prepare the taxes for the IRS.  If the Treasurer is unfamiliar with the tax requirements for a corporation, the Board may designate someone who is familiar with those tax requirements (if needed, an outside account), with the assistance of the Treasurer, to prepare the taxes for the Association.

(e)  Members of the Board of Directors
The remaining members of the Board of Directors shall serve terms as follows:
1. Three (3) positions shall serve for two (2) years
2. Two (2) positions shall serve for one (1) year
Section 3.
Vacancies
Any vacancies occurring on the Board or among the offices during the year shall be filled until the next annual election by a majority vote of the members of the Board at its first regular meeting following the creation of such vacancy, or at a special Board meeting called for that purpose; except that a vacancy in the office of President shall be filled automatically by the Vice President and the resulting vacancy in the office of Vice President shall be filled by the Board.

ARTICLE IV

THE ASSOCIATION YEAR, ANNUAL MEETINGS, AND ELECTIONS

SECTION 1.     Association Year

The Association’s fiscal year shall begin on the first day of May and end on the 30th day of April.  The Association’s official year shall begin immediately at the conclusion of the election at the annual meeting and shall continue through the election at the next annual meeting.

SECTION 2.     Annual Meeting
 The annual meeting shall be held in the month of November, at which officers and directors for the ensuing year shall be elected by ballot from among those nominated in accordance with Section 4 of this Article.  They shall take office immediately upon the conclusion of the election and each retiring officer shall turn over to the successor in office all properties and records relating to that office not later than January 15th following the elections in November.

SECTION 3.
Elections
The nominated candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for each office shall be declared elected.  The three (3) nominated candidates for other positions on the Board who receive the greatest number of votes for such positions shall be declared elected.

SECTION 4.
Nominations
(a)        No person may be a candidate in an Association election who has not been nominated.  During the month of August, the Board shall select a Nominating Committee consisting of three (3) members and one (1) alternate, not more than two (2) of whom may be members of the Board.  The Secretary shall immediately notify the committee members and alternates of their selection.  The President shall name a Chairman for the committee and it will be his/her duty to call a committee meeting which shall be held on or before October 1st.
(b)        To be eligible to hold office, a person must have been a member in good standing for a minimum of one (1) year from the time the membership was approved.  A person may not hold the same office for more than two (2) consecutive terms, excepting the Secretary and the Treasurer, who may serve beyond the two (2) consecutive terms if duly elected.
(c)        The Nominating Committee shall nominate from among the eligible members of the Association, one (1) candidate for each office and for the expiring positions on the Board and, after securing the written consent of each person so nominated, shall immediately report their nominations to the Secretary in writing or e-mail not later than October 15th.
(d)        Upon receipt of the Nominating Committee’s report, the Secretary shall, at least five (5) days before the October Association Meeting notify each member in writing or e-mail of the candidates so nominated.
(e)        Additional nominations of eligible members may be made by written petition, signed by five (5) regular members other than by the nominees, addressed to the Secretary and be received by the Secretary on or before November 10th.  The additional nominee must also send to the Secretary’s address their written acceptance of their willingness to be a candidate on or before November 10th.
(f)         No person may be a candidate for more than one (1) position.  Additional nominations which are provided for herein may be made only from among those members who have not accepted a nomination of the Nominating Committee.
(g)        Nominations cannot be made at the annual meeting or in any manner other than as provided in this section.

ARTICLE V

COMMITTEES

SECTION 1.     Appointment

The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, may each year appoint standing committees to advance the work of the Association in such matters as dog shows, trophies, annual prizes, membership, and other fields which may well be served by committees.  Such committees shall always be subject to the final authority of the Board.  Special committees may also be appointed by the Board to aid it on particular projects.

SECTION 2.     Reporting

All committee chairmen will be under the direction of, and report to the President of the Association.

SECTION 3.     Termination

All appointments terminate upon the annual election.  Any committee appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of the Board upon written notice to the appointee; and the Board may appoint successors to those persons whose services have been terminated.  Any committee chair who vacates a position shall, within thirty (30) days, turn over Association records and property in his/her possession to either his/her successor or an individual named by the President.

ARTICLE VI

DISCIPLINE

SECTION 1.     American Kennel Club Suspension

Any member who is suspended from the privileges of the American Kennel Club shall be automatically suspended from the privileges of this Association for a like period.

SECTION 2.     Charges

Any individual member may prefer charges against a member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Association.  Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a deposit of $20 which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the Board following a hearing.  The Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the Board or present them at a Board meeting, and the Board shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Association.  If the Board entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date of hearing by the Board not less than three (3) weeks, no more than six (6) weeks thereafter.  The Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to the accused member by registered mail together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his/her own defense and bring witnesses if he/she wishes.

SECTION 3.     Board Hearing

The Board shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard.  Should the charges be sustained, after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the Board may, by a majority vote of those present, suspend the defendant from all privileges of the Association for not more than six (6) months from the date of the hearing.  And, if it deems that punishment insufficient, it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion.  In such case, the suspension shall not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before his/her fellow members at the ensuing Association meeting which considers the Board’s recommendation.  Immediately after the Board has reached a decision, its findings shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary, The Secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the Board’s decision and penalty, if any.

SECTION 4.     Expulsion

Expulsion of a member from the Association may be accomplished only at a meeting of the Association following a Board hearing and upon the Board’s recommendation as provided in Section 2 of this article.  Such proceedings may occur at a general or special meeting of the Association to be held within sixty (60) days but not earlier than thirty (30) days after the date of the Board’s recommendations of expulsion.  The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his/her own behalf, though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting.  The President shall read the charges and the Board’s findings and recommendations and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his/her own behalf if he/she wishes.  The members shall then vote by secret, written ballot on the proposed expulsion.  A two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting at the meeting shall be necessary for expulsion provided there is a quorum.  If the expulsion is not so voted, the Board’s suspension shall stand.

SECTION 5.     Reassignment of Duties

If the President is the subject of the charges or disciplinary action, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President as described in this article.  If any other Officer or Director is the subject of the charges or disciplinary action, the remainder of the Board of Directors shall select by majority vote another Board Member to fulfill the duties of said Officer or Director until the charges are either dismissed or the time of the disciplinary action is completed.

SECTION 6.     Rights Under Suspension

A member under suspension shall receive all Association information and notices which are sent to members in good standing.  This includes dues notices and the Association minutes, as well as other pertinent communications as defined by the Board of Directors.  However, in no manner may the suspended member serve on the board, serve on a committee, vote, sponsor a member, or in any way participate in the operation of the Association.

 

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1.     Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws shall be performed as frequently as the Association feels it is necessary.

SECTION 2.     Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by written petition and addressed to the Secretary signed by twenty percent (20%) of the membership in good standing.  Amendments proposed by such petition shall be promptly considered by the Board of Directors and must be submitted to the members, with recommendations of the Board, by the Secretary for a vote within three (3) months of the date when the petition was received by the Secretary.

SECTION 3.     The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting at any regular or special meeting called for the purpose, provided the proposed amendments have been included in the notice of the meeting and mailed to each member at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the meeting.

ARTICLE VIII

Dissolution

 SECTION 1.     The Association may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members in good standing.  In the event of the dissolution of the Association other than for purposes of reorganization whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, none of the property of the Association nor any proceeds thereof nor any assets of the Association shall be distributed to any members of the Association, but after payment of the debts of the Association its property and assets shall be given to a charitable organization for the benefit of dogs selected by the Board of Directors.

 

ARTICLE IX

ORDER OF BUSINESS

 

SECTION 1.     Association Meetings

At the meeting of the Association, the order of business, if the character and nature of the meeting permits, shall be as follows:

(a)        Roll Call
(b)        Reading of minutes of last meeting
(c)        Introduction of visitors
(d)        President’s report
(e)        Secretary’s report
(f)         Treasurer’s report
(g)        Committee report
(h)        Election of Officers and Board (at annual meeting)
(i)         Election of new members
(j)         Unfinished business
(k)        New business
(l)         Adjournment

SECTION 2.
Board Meetings

At meetings of the Board, the order of business, unless otherwise directed by the majority vote of those present, shall be as follows:

(a)        Reading of minutes of last meeting
(b)        Report of secretary
(c)        Report of treasurer
(d)        Reports of committees
(e)        Unfinished business
(f)         New business
(g)        Adjournment

ARTICLE X

Parliamentary Authority

SECTION 1.   The rules contained in the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised,” shall govern the Association in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws and any other special rules of order the Association may adopt.