REGULADORES LEMC CHISHOLM TRAIL CHAPTER

 

BY-LAWS

 

 

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ARTICLE 1. NAME AND ORGANIZATION

This organization shall be known as the "Reguladores Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Chisholm Trail Chapter", hereinafter referred to as the "Club" and is an affiliate of the Reguladores Motorcycle Club as authorized by Article 7 of the Reguladores LEMC by-laws of the founding chapter. This may be abbreviated as "Reguladores LEMC CT Chapter".

ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Chisholm Trail Chapter of the Reguladores Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club is to promote skilled and educated motorcycling, broaden motorcycle awareness and serve as an advocate for motorcyclists on related issues. The Chisholm Trail Chapter of the Reguladores LEMC will also strive to contribute and promote positive local charities, while building and creating camaraderie with other motorcycle clubs and enthusiast.

ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP

Section 3.1 Membership Criteria

Membership is open to any active or retired Law Enforcement Officer, Federal Agent, Federal, District or County Prosecutor and any Military Police who own a motorcycle. These persons will be considered Law Enforcement members, and must possess power of arrest or retirement credentials. The Reguladores also accepts Associate members. Associate members are those persons that own a motorcycle and who are invited to join by a Law Enforcement member. All members shall be allowed to bring in their significant other. If the significant other is a bike owner they shall be an Associate member. All non-bike owning persons, depending on their sex, shall be referred to as a Darlin or as an Associate member.

Section 3.2 Membership Selection:

Membership is open to those who:

(a) Meet the membership criteria;

(b) Agree with the Club purpose;

(c) Pay dues and agree to abide by Club by-laws; (Cost $100.00 for Colors)

(d) Can comply with the rules of the Chapter set forth by the by-laws.

Members who meet and abide by the above shall be deemed in good standing.

Section 3.3 Membership Rights:

Any member that is in good standing shall have full rights of membership as provided by our chapter by-laws.

Section 3.4 Removal:

Any member may be removed for cause by a 51% majority vote of members present at a business meeting following a discussion of the cause. The call for removal must be announced to the membership no later than two weeks (14 days) prior to the meeting and must include the date, time and location of the meeting and must include the reasons for calling a removal meeting. Removed members are not entitled to a dues refund.

An LE member or Associate member who relinquishes ownership of their motorcycle may remain a member for 24 months if they are not in violation of the Chapter By laws and are not delinquent with their dues. If the member or associate member fails to obtain a motorcycle after 24 months they will lose their status as a member.

An LE Member, or Associate member, who has become disabled and is unable to operate a motorcycle due to an injury or illness, or has had their license deactivated due to age or other medical reasons, with the exception of drug or alcohol abuse, shall remain a member in good standing if they are not in violation of Chapter by-laws and are not delinquent with their dues. Each membership issue under this section will be reviewed by the Executive officers for its merits regarding continued membership within the Chapter.

An LE Member, Associate member, or Darlin that becomes widowed, divorced, separated, or dissolves a relationship with another member, associate member, or Darlin, shall remain a member in good standing as long

as they are not in violation of the Chapter by laws and are not delinquent with their dues. Personal issues shall remain personal and not part of the Chisholm Trail Chapter business unless the issue becomes detrimental to the image of the club at which time it will be addressed by the Chapter officers.

Associate members and Darlin’s shall have full membership rights even if their sponsoring member leaves the chapter if they are not in violation of the Chapter by laws and are not delinquent with their dues.

ARTICLE 4. DUES

Section 4.1 Dues:

New member’s fees will be the sum of the National fee plus any Chapter dues and sewing charges. Application fees are subject to change based on National fee changes and Chapter dues changes, for the first fiscal year. The Club will supply the colors. At this time there are NO MEMBERSHIP DUES for the CHISHOLM TRAIL CHAPTER.

Section 4.2

Membership dues shall neither be pro-rated nor refunded unless approved by unanimous vote of the Executive Board. In case of hardship the Executive Board may, with majority consent of members in good standing, authorize appropriate measures as may be necessary.

Section 4.3

In the event of dissolution of the Club, all funds in the treasury shall be donated to a charity as selected by majority vote of the membership at time of dissolution. (Roxanne's House)

ARTICLE 5. MEETINGS

Section 5.1

At least one executive business meeting will be held each month. Additional business meetings may be called by the President or by a majority request of the Executive Board to accommodate specific Club circumstances.

Section 5.2

Social meetings will be held periodically for the purpose of fraternization and to promote Club interest.

Section 5.3

The exact dates, times and meeting places will be announced on the Club website.

Section 5.4

Meetings of the general membership shall be held once each quarter or a general meeting may be called by the President or by a majority of the Executive Board.

Section 5.5

Any three members of the Executive Board can require the President to specify a quorum for decisions.

Section 5.6

Minutes of all meeting shall be recorded and reported at the next meeting and also reported on the chapter web site.

Section 5.7

All general meetings will be conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order.

A
RTICLE 6. CLUB OFFICERS

Section 6.1 Administration:

The Club shall be administered by the following officers who shall collectively function as the Executive Board: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sgt. at Arms.

Section 6.2

The Chapter Officers have been duly elected or appointed by the executive officers and have been vested by the membership with the duties of managing all aspects of the Chapter. This would include the web site, business issues, business meetings, chapter finances and chapter events, including but not limited to; sanctioned rides, fund raisers, and chapter parties that are being promoted and participated in by the Reguladores Chisholm Trail Chapter. The Event coordinator, Road Captain, or designated member in charge of a Reguladores Chisholm Trail event shall comply with any legal request from the Chapter Officers at any time during an event that involves the Chapter.

(a) The highest ranking Chapter Officer in attendance at the Reguladores Chisholm Trail event shall have overall control of said event.

(b) In the absence of a Chapter Officer, a member designated by the Chapter Officers will be in charge of the event.

(c) If no member was designated, then the charter member with highest seniority present at the event will have overall control of the event.

(d) During Reguladores Chisholm Trail events, the highest ranking Chapter officer in attendance shall assume charge from the member leading or members promoting the event if the Chapter officer has cause to do so and believes it is in the best interests of the Chapter. This would in compass but not be limited to; unsafe practices or acts, violations of state law, blatant violations of the chapters by laws, or any other act perpetrated by the member(s) that would be detrimental or cause damage to the image of the Reguladores Chisholm Trail Chapter or The Reguladores LEMC.

(e) Any Chapter officer may temporarily suspend a member from his appointed position for cause until the time the executive board can review the issue.

(f) Event Officers are non-Executive Board officers charged with enforcing conduct as set forth in the Club by-laws. There are 4 types of Event Officers:

(1) Road Captains organize and lead the Club during riding events.

(2) Event Coordinator organizes and leads an event not centered around riding; and

(3) Web Master is responsible for maintaining the Chisholm Tail Chapter website.

(4) Chaplains lead the Chapter in blessings and provide counsel to members.

Section 6.3 Qualifications:

(a) The President and Vice President shall be LE members who are Peace Officers and in good standing. The Secretary, Treasurer, Sgt. at Arms, Road Captains, Web Master, and Event Coordinators can be any member in good standing.

(b) Executive Board members who operate a motorcycle shall be licensed in accordance with Texas state law.

(c) Road Captains must exhibit safe riding skills and it is recommended that they take part in a group riding program that covers the planning, procedures, signals, and other relevant factors for a group riding activity.

(d) Event Coordinators must be able to coordinate a given event through completion.

(e) Chaplains must be of sound background and Faith, and able to provide the same to members when requested

Section 6.4

Officers shall be eligible for reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred during the administration of Club business by submitting a request with receipts at a business meeting. Approval is by a majority vote of members present. These expenses are to be listed separately on an end-of-year report by the Treasurer.

ARTICLE 7. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 7.1

The duties of the President shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) Overseeing business meetings, events, functions, sanctioned rides, and activities that are sponsored, promoted, or associated with the Reguladores Chisholm Trail Chapter.

(b) Managing the Chapter in accordance with the rules set forth in the by-laws and seeing to the enforcement of the stated by-laws in a professional, impartial manner.

(c) Seeing that the chapter complies with the written objectives and purpose of this organization.

(d) Seeing to the delegation of Chapter related duties as may be required for the continued success of the chapter.

(e) Delegation of presidential duties to the Vice President when required.

(f) Appointment of Chapter officers when position becomes available due to resignation or termination of officer from the chapter as in accordance with the by-laws.

(g) Appointments of other positions not filled by election process. This would include but not be limited to; the web master, event coordinators, and road captains.

(h) Suspending or terminating a member from an appointed position for cause.

(i) Approving Club expenditures

Section 7.2

The duties of the Vice President shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) Performing the duties of the President in case of his or her absence or inability;

(b) Serving as the Activities Coordinator in scheduling, planning, and ensuring proper arrangements are made for all Club sponsored activities and events; and

(c) Performing other duties which may be assigned by the President.

Section 7.3

The duties of the Secretary shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) Keeping and maintaining accurate written records of all executive and general meetings;

(b) Ensuring that an open line of communication is made available to all members via e-mail or phone, regarding any and all Club functions;

(c) Assisting the Web Master in ensuring that proper and correct information is placed on the website;

(d) Accepting and recording all nominations for Executive Board elections;

(e) Making arrangements for lodging for Club functions at out of town locations and for guests of the Chisholm Trail Chapter of the Reguladores LEMC visiting from out of town; and

(f) Performing other duties which may be assigned.

Section 7.4

The duties of the Treasurer shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) Maintaining an up-to-date membership list available upon request by any member of the Executive Board;

(b) Coordinating reimbursement expenditures through the Executive Board;

(c) Receiving, recording and reporting all monies or property donated to, paid to, or owned by the Club;

(d) Keeping an account of all receipts and disbursements so that a statement of the financial condition of the Club is available upon request by the officers or general membership;

(e) Preparing an end-of-year report for the Executive Board to be shared at the first meeting of each fiscal year; and

(f) Performing other duties which may be assigned.

Section 7.5

The duties of the Sergeant at Arms shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) Keeping and maintaining order during executive and general meetings;

(b) Surveying and assessing security risk for Club members at any and all functions and ensuring the safety of our Club members and guests when not riding;

(c) Assisting the Secretary in making lodging arraignments for out of town functions or for guests at our local functions; and

(d) Performing other duties which may be assigned.

Section 7.6

The duties of the Webmaster shall include but not be limited to:

(a) Maintaining the Club website in coordination with Executive Board;

(b) Collecting new material and information as needed to keep the website current; and

(c) Performing other duties which may be assigned.

Section 7.7 Officer Succession:

The following structure will be in effect in the absence of normal officer responsibility: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sgt. at Arms and the highest ranking Charter member as per the roster.

ARTICLE 8. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 8.1

Nominations and applications for Executive Officers shall be made at the general meeting during the third quarter. All nominations and applications shall be made by contacting the Club Secretary in writing. Elections will be held in September per section 8.3.

Elections will be conducted by the Secretary, if running unopposed. If opposed the ballots will be overseen by a committee appointed by the officers. Balloting will be conducted electronically and by show of hands at a called meeting.

Section 8.2

All officers must be members in good standing.

Section 8.3

Candidates for the Executive Officer positions must be current members. Those receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected for that year and hold office until the election of a replacement. Terms will be for a two year period beginning January 1
st following the Septmeber election.

Section 8.4

Vacancies in any office shall be filled by a Club member in good standing appointed by the President and shall serve until the next regular election of officers.

Section 8.5

Any officer may be removed from office for cause by a 51% majority vote of members present at a business meeting following a discussion of the cause. The call for a meeting for removal must be announced to the membership no later than two weeks (14 days) prior to the meeting and must include the date, time and location of the meeting and must include the reasons for calling a removal meeting.

ARTICLE 9. APPOINTMENTS AND COMMITTEES

Section 9.1

Appointments and committees are positions in the Club that are of a voluntary nature.

Section 9.2

These positions are appointed by the Executive Board and may change at the discretion of the appointee or the Board.

ARTICLE 1O. EXPENDITURES

Section: 10.1

The President may spend up to $250.00 without prior approval of the Chapter Officers. The expenditures shall be for Chapter related business only. The President shall make notice of the purpose of the expenditure to the chapter officers at the earliest convenient time. This shall be done in writing, or as part of the minutes of a meeting, or by email for permanent record.

The President shall not exceed (2) $250.00 expenditures within a one month period without approval from a majority 2/3 of the Chapter Officers.

Donations of any amount shall be approved by a majority 2/3 of the Chapter Officers. All other club related expenditures shall be approved by the president or vice president and noted accordingly by the Treasurer.

Expenditures/ reimbursement: A Chisholm Trail Chapter officer or member shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred for preapproved club related business or administration purposes. Members shall not make club related expenditures without prior approval from the President or Vice President.

Business Trips:

On an occasion that a Chapter Officer(s) or Chapter member(s) are required to attend a out of town club related business trip the projected cost of the trip shall be approved by 2/3 majority of the Chapters officers and is not to exceed $500.00. If the projected cost exceeds $500.00 the membership prior to the trip shall vote 2/3 majority whether the expense may be incurred.

An exclusion to this rule would be a club related out of town business meeting that is associated with a Reguladores LEMC function where all members are invited, as example the Yearly National Meeting of Chapter Presidents and Vice Presidents that is conducted at the National Party shall not be funded by the Chapter.

The reimbursements shall only be for fuel, reasonable lodging, and reasonable meals. Reasonable meals purchases shall not to exceed $34.00 a day per member. Alcoholic beverage purchases, excessive priced meal purchases, and or door or event cover charges shall not be reimbursed by the Chapter.

All expenditures shall be detailed in writing and have all receipts attached.

Chapter Trips:

On the occasion The Reguladores Chisholm Trail Chapter provides a chase vehicle /trailer to follow the group to assist with break downs or other club business, the chapter will pay the fuel costs of said vehicle. This would only be approved for sanctioned rides or events that are promoted by or participated in by the REGULADORES CHISHOLM TRAIL LEMC with prior approval of the Chapter Officers 2/3 Majority.

Section 10.2

The Chapter has purchased the rights to use the approved logos of the Reguladores LEMC for marketing and advertising purposes.

(a) The Chapter will only market merchandise using the logos that are approved by

Chapter officers and in accordance with the specifications set forth by the

Founding members.

(b) All sales of merchandise displaying the approved logos shall be exclusively for the benefit the chapter and not an individual member. No member shall profit from the use of the logo without prior permission from the Chapter officers. This will be ruled on case by case.

(c) No merchandise shall be manufactured using the logo without prior approval of the chapter officers.

ARTICLE 11. AMENDMENTS

Section 11.1

Notification of proposed changes to the by-laws of the Club will be made through the e-mail at least two weeks prior to a meeting at which changes in the by-laws are to be considered.

Section 11.2

These by-laws may be changed by a simple majority vote of the members present at a regularly scheduled general Club meeting.

Section 11.3

By-law changes will take effect upon determination of the final result of the vote.

Section 11.4

Amendments to the by-laws shall note the date of change after the respective by-law, e.g. "[1 Jul 05]". Revisions of existing by-laws shall be notated per e.g. (rev 1.1.10) and must be approved by the National Chapter prior to publishing.

ARTICLE 12. CONDUCT

Section 12.1

Any member of the Club may be dismissed from a Club meeting or Club activity as a result of inappropriate behavior. The member shall be warned concerning such inappropriate conduct by an Executive Board member. The following shall be a basis for disciplinary measures:

(a) Unsafe riding habits, especially any activity which jeopardizes the safety of other persons;

(b) Behavior that is detrimental to the image of the Club; and

(c) Associating with the criminal element, outside the scope of Law Enforcement duties.

(d) A member in good standing of the Reguladores Chisholm Trail Chapter shall be considered an ambassador

of the Reguladores LEMC. The public actions of the member while wearing the patch should never diminish, or prove to be detrimental to the image of our chapter or the club in general. Positive promotion of our club to the public and other L E entities is requested from the membership.

(e) A Chisholm Trail Chapter member in good standing shall not purposely or knowingly associate, support, or attend any function, fund raiser, ride, or social event that is being promoted by any criminal organization while the member is wearing their Reguladores colors. This would include but not be limited to the following 1 % criminal motorcycle gangs. The Hells Angels, The Bandidos, The Pagans, The Outlaws, The Mongols and any and all of their support clubs and any other 1% club. A direct violation of this rule will be addressed with possible termination from the Chapter.

(f) No Member shall maintain Dual Membership in other tri patch MC designated clubs. This excludes such clubs as Patriot Guard, Church groups, H.O.G., and similar enthusiast groups. Members must get any perceived dual membership status approved by a majority vote of the sitting Officers.

Section 12.2

Ratification of Executive Board recommendations for disciplinary action will be by a 51% majority vote of the Club members in attendance at a regularly scheduled general meeting.

ARTICLE 13. SAFETY

Section 13.1

All members and guests participating in any riding activity:

(a) Are encouraged to wear long pants and over-the-ankle footwear;

(b) Shall be licensed, tagged/registered and insured for the vehicle that they are operating;

(c) Shall keep their motorcycle in proper operating condition;

(d) Proof of license, registration, insurance can be requested and an inspection of the condition and/or equipment can be made by any Club officer or Road Captain, who may deny participation for failure to meet 13.1 standards in the interest of group's safety.

ARTICLE 14. NON-MEMBER GUESTS

Section 14.1

Non-member motorcycle owners are welcome at general meetings, rides, and social gatherings of the Club so long as they are invited guests and accompanied by a "regular" member.

Section 14.2

Guests must agree to abide by Club rules and standards of conduct.

Section 14.3

Members who bring guests are responsible for the guests conduct.

ARTICLE 15. RIDING PROTOCOL

Section 15.1

While riding in a group the following placement of bikes will be followed:

(a) President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Sgt. at Arms, Charter Members, Members and Guests.

(b) Road Captain’s shall be placed as needed.

(c) A "Sanctioned Ride" shall be any three patch holding members.

ARTICLE 16. PLACEMENT OF COLORS

Section 16.1

Colors will be defined as patches used to signify or represent the Reguladores LEMC.

(a) On the back of the vest only the Reguladores three piece patch will be worn; and

(b) On the front left of the vest above the "heart" is where you will wear patches indicating an office you hold or that you are a charter member. A road name patch is to be placed on the right side across from the above.

ARTICLE 17. ARTICLES OF SUSPENSION

All patch holding Members are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible and professional manner at all times. Members are to present themselves as proper Ambassadors of the Club when conducting business with vendors, riding, and at social functions. The public perception of the Reguladores must be one of professionalism, courtesy, and be held in the highest regard. All members must strive to meet the highest standards of respect and safety at all times.

Section 17.1

Any Member will be in violation of Club policy and the Code of Ethics if found engaging in the following:

(a) Any Felony arrest or indictment

(b) Any Misdemeanor arrest that involves the following circumstances

(1)Theft

(2)Domestic Violence

(3)Narcotics

(4)Perjury

(5)Stalking or Terrorist threats

(6)Any criminal activity that, after review by the board, would be considered a crime of Moral Turpitude.

(c) Public display of lawlessness by a member, while in colors, that would be

punishable by any of the aforementioned.

(d) Suspension, Termination, or Revocation of LE certification by City, State, or

Federal agencies or accreditors. To be reviewed by the Executive Board.

Section 17.2

Actions to be taken:

(a) Upon review and consideration by the Directing Officers of the Chisholm Trail Chapter, any member found to have violated the Code of Conduct will be placed on immediate suspension pending the results of due legal process. Said member will be REQUIRED to turn in his/her colors until such time He/She is exonerated and continued membership is approved by the Directing Officers. A member on suspension may not participate in Club activities, ride as a guest, or promote his/herself as a member of the Reguladores LEMC. Failure to respond or turn in Club colors in a timely manner (5 days from notification) will result in IMMEDIATE PERMANENT dismissal and negate future membership

possibilities. Members on suspension are not required to pay dues, and are not entitled to a refund or partial refund of dues/fees paid. Members terminated for cause will not be entitled to a refund of dues/fees paid.

(b) A member of the chapter may be dismissed from a chapter meeting, activity, or event, as a result of inappropriate behavior, or disruptive mannerisms that the Chapter Officers believe are detrimental to the Chapter or its membership. This would include but not be limited to disruption of chapter meetings, activities, or events, vulgar or abusive language or threats towards another member or guest, exhibition or vulgar acts that may be considered offensive to the membership or guests.

(c) The member shall receive a warning prior for dismissal unless the violation warrants immediate action. The decision for dismissal will be at the discretion of the Chapter officers in attendance and will be complied with by the membership.

These Uniform Chapter By Laws are in place effective 2.28.2010 (update on 6/20/2010) Next club Officer Election is September 2011

Approved amendments will be added below this line and be notated [amended (date)]

 

 

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