Bylaws
Also see our Rules and Regulations.
BYLAWS OF GARDEN PARK RECREATION CLUB
Laste Updated: April 14, 2020
The Garden Park Recreation Club, Incorporated (hereinafter referred to as the corporation), consists of a swimming pool, tennis court, picnic area, parking lot, basketball court, and pool house located on the corner of Mahan Avenue and Pine Street in Richland, Washington. The value of a current membership is the assessed property tax value divided by the number of memberships.
ARTICLE I – MEMBERSHIP
1. Qualifications
Membership shall be voluntary. The GPRC boundaries are open. Membership may be obtained from the Board of Trustees by filing an application with the treasurer and approval of the board.
2. Membership Limitation
Total membership at any one time is limited to one hundred and twenty (120) memberships. Applications above this limit will be kept on file by the treasurer and accepted in order of submission as resignations or sales occur. A two-thirds favorable vote of the membership may change the membership limit.
3. Transfer of Membership
Members wishing to discontinue membership or whose eligibility ceases must arrange a sale of their membership either to a property purchaser or to another eligible party. If the property purchaser declines, the corporation shall be given the option to purchase the membership. The corporation is not obligated to purchase, but may do so by board action. Memberships may only be transferred on the corporation’s records by the treasurer and upon full payment of all dues, assessments, and any charges set by the board. Memberships not transferred within one year of ineligibility automatically revert to the corporation.
4. Members Voting Rights
Each membership has two (2) votes, which may be cast in person or by proxy. Proxies must be in writing, filed with the secretary, and are valid for no more than six (6) months.
5. Membership Meetings
Meetings follow Robert’s Rules of Order unless otherwise specified. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the membership, in person or by proxy, constitutes a quorum. Written notice must be given at least seven (7) days in advance, including time, date, location, and purpose. In emergencies, meetings may be called with two (2) days’ notice.
6. Annual Meeting
An annual meeting shall occur before April 1 each year at the time and place specified in the meeting notice.
7. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the president, a board majority, or written petition of ten percent (10%) of the membership.
8. Membership Rights
Members and their guests may use club facilities only if dues are not more than 30 days overdue and rules are followed. Termination ends all usage rights.
9. Termination of Membership
Membership is terminated upon transfer on the corporation’s records. Termination for cause may occur after a hearing with seven (7) days’ notice. Membership fees will be refunded within 90 days minus dues, fines, or damages.
10. Reinstatement
Former members may request reinstatement. The board may approve with a four-fifths vote under terms it deems appropriate.
11. Membership Rental
Members may request that the board rent out their membership. Requests must be renewed yearly in writing or email. The board controls all rentals; members may not rent directly. Rentals are limited to 10 per year unless extended by a 3/5 board vote. A rental fee will be added to dues and paid by the renter. Renters receive full privileges, except voting rights, and must fulfill monitor duties.
ARTICLE II – MANAGEMENT
1. Board of Trustees
A five-member board governs the corporation.
2. Terms of Office
Terms are two (2) years. Two trustees are elected in odd-numbered years, and three in even-numbered years.
3. Election Process
Elections occur at the annual meeting, by written ballot or as agreed.
4. Meetings
An annual board meeting is held after the membership meeting. Officers are elected by the board. Special meetings may be called by the president or any two board members.
5. Board Meetings
Board meetings follow Robert’s Rules of Order. Each member gets one vote. No proxies. Three trustees form a quorum.
6. Removal from Office
Trustees absent from three consecutive meetings without acceptable excuse are removed. Trustees may be removed for cause after written notice and hearing, by four-fifths board vote or two-thirds member vote.
7. Compensation
Trustees receive no compensation, but annual dues are waived.
8. Vacancies
Vacancies are filled by board appointment for the remainder of the term.
9. Dues, Assessments, Damages, and Fines
a. The board sets dues, assessments, and fines, and their due dates.
b. Yearly dues are due by spring cleanup day. Late fees of $25/month begin on pool opening day (usually the Saturday before Memorial Day). An additional $25 is added each 30-day period dues remain unpaid. If locks are re-keyed, new keys are issued upon dues payment and return of old keys. Lost keys incur a $10 fee.
ARTICLE III – DUTIES OF OFFICERS
1. President
Supervises the corporation, presides at meetings, signs official documents, and performs duties of the office.
2. Vice President and General Manager
Oversee physical operations and facility maintenance. Report to the board as needed. The vice president acts in the president’s absence.
3. Secretary
Keeps records, gives meeting notices, and performs duties as assigned by the board.
4. Treasurer
Manages funds, makes authorized payments, maintains accounts, keeps membership records, and issues membership certificates. Expenditures require two board member signatures.
5. Funds
A. General Fund: Includes all fees and income. Used for operating expenses after two-thirds membership budget approval.
B. Emergency Fund: Minimum of $35,000. Used for emergencies. Replenished at $1,000 per year until restored. Treated as part of operational costs, not a special assessment.
ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES
If lost, mutilated, or destroyed, new certificates may be issued under board-determined terms.
2. Issuance of Certificates
Certificates are issued once all required fees and dues are paid, provided the board has authorized certificates.
ARTICLE V – AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be amended at a regular or special meeting with proper notice and a two-thirds vote of those present (in person or by proxy) where a quorum is met.
CERTIFICATION
These bylaws were adopted as revised at the regular annual membership meeting held on April 14, 2020.
Signed:
Cherrie Moss, Secretary