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Preamble:
Whereas SKYWARN is the National Weather Service (NWS) program of trained volunteer
severe weather spotters. SKYWARN Spotters support their local community and
government by providing the NWS and their local emergency managers with timely and
accurate severe weather reports. These reports, when integrated with modern
NWS technology, are used to inform communities of the proper actions to take as
severe weather threatens.
We, the undersigned, wishing to secure for ourselves the pleasures and benefits
of an association of persons commonly interested in Amateur Radio and Skywarn
weather spotting, constitute ourselves the Mid-Iowa Skywarn Association and
enact this constitution as our governing law. It shall be our purpose to further
the exchange of information and cooperation between members, to promote amateur
radio and hazardous weather spotting knowledge, fraternalism and individual
operating efficiency, and to so conduct Association programs and activities as
to advance the general interest and welfare of Amateur Radio and Skywarn activities
in the community.
Membership: Article I
All persons interested in Amateur Radio communications and hazardous weather
observation and reporting shall be eligible for membership. Membership shall be
by application and election upon such terms as the Association shall provide in
its By-Laws.
Officers: Article II
Sec. 1. The officers of this Association shall be President, Vice-President, and Secretary
- Treasurer.
Sec. 2. The officers of this Association shall be elected for a term of one year by
ballot of the members present, provided there be a quorum, at the annual business
meeting.
Sec. 3. Vacancies occurring between elections shall be filled by appointment of the
remaining officers.
Sec. 4. Officers may be removed by a three-fourths vote of the membership.
Sec. 5. The majority of the Association officers shall maintain a valid amateur
radio license.
Duties of Officers: Article III
Sec. 1. The President shall preside at all meetings, and conduct them according
to the rules adopted. He/she shall enforce due observance of this Constitution and
By-Laws; decide all questions of order; sign all official documents adopted by the
Association, and perform all other duties pertaining to the office of President.
Sec. 2. The Vice-President shall assume all the duties of the President in his/her
absence.
Sec. 3. In addition, the President and the Vice-President shall organize
Association activities, plan and recommend contests for operating benefits, and
advance Association interest and activity as approved by the Association. They
shall maintain close liaison with the ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator to further
Association participation in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service. They will also
maintain a liaison with Johnston, IA NWS Office.
Sec. 4. The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings,
keep a roll of members, submit membership applications, carry on all correspondence,
read communications at each meeting, and mail or e-mail written meeting notices
to each member. At the expiration of his/her term he/she shall turn over all items
belonging to the Association to his/her successor.
Sec. 5. The Secretary-Treasurer shall receive and receipt for all monies paid
to the Association; keep an accurate account of all monies received and expended;
pay no bills without proper authorization (by the Association or its officers
constituting a business committee). At the end of each year during the annual
business meeting he/she shall submit an itemized statement of disbursements and
receipts. At the end of his/her term he/she shall turn over everything in his/her
possession belonging to the Association to his/her successor.
Meetings: Article IV
The By-Laws shall provide for regular and special meetings. At meetings, a minimum
of one-fourth of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business.
Dues: Article V
The Association, by majority vote of those present at any regular meeting, may
levy upon the general membership such dues as shall be deemed necessary for the
business of the organization. Non-payment of such dues shall be cause for expulsion
from the Association within the discretion of the membership.
Membership Assistance: Article VI
The Association, through designated committees will strive to: promote Amateur
Radio, promote hazardous weather observation and reporting, and support weather
training. The Association shall also maintain a program to foster and guide public
relations.
Amendments: Article VII
This constitution or By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the total
membership. Proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing at a regular
meeting and shall be voted on at the next following annual business meeting,
provided all members have been notified by mail or e-mail of the intent to amend
the constitution and/or By-Laws at said meeting. Voting by attendance and or
proxy shall be acceptable. Robert's Rules shall govern proceedings.
Mid-Iowa SKYWARN Association Bylaws
1. Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the
constitution and By-Laws of the Association and have the same with him/her
at every meeting. He/she shall note all amendments, changes and additions
on the constitution and shall permit it to be consulted by members upon request.
2. Membership. Full membership is open to licensed amateurs and those persons
interested in hazardous weather observation and reporting. Membership includes
all Association privileges as well as rights to hold an Association office and
to vote for Association officers. Applications for membership shall be
submitted at regular meetings.
3. Meetings. Regular meetings shall be held a minimum of four times a year.
Special meetings may be called by the President upon the written request of any
five Association members. Notices shall be sent to members concerning special
meetings and the business to be transacted. Only such business as designated
shall be transacted. Such notices shall be sent so that they arrive not less
than 7 days before the meeting.
4. Dues. A regular yearly dues of $ 5.00 per member is hereby assessed in
accordance with the provisions of Article V of the constitution for the purpose
of providing funds for expenses.
5. Committees. Committees may be formed within the scope of the Association
to promote the interests of the Association. These may include but are not
limited to an Education Committee, Fund Raising and Public Relation.
6. The President at his discretion shall appoint all committee chairpersons
and the Station Trustee.
7. Station Trustee shall be a licensed amateur radio operator in good
standing with the FCC.
8. The Association shall apply for and maintain a station call sign.
9. The President with the approval of the NWS Johnston shall appoint net
control operators.
10. Control operators will comply with the NWS Standard Operations Plan
and will abide by any other NWS directive either written or verbal.
11. You do not need to be a member to take part in Skywarn weather spotting.
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