Member, AWSC
ROBERTS, WI.
BI-LAWS
INCORPORATED FEBRUARY 12, 1973
Revised Jan. 22, 1975
2nd Revision Sept. 22, 1979
3rd Revision Mar. 26, 1995
4th Revision Aug. 27, 1997
5th Revision Dec. 1, 1999
6th Revision Jan. 14, 2003
7th Revision May 5, 2005
8th Revision Nov. 3, 2005
9th Revision July 26, 2008
ARTICLE I - Purposes and Name
Section 1. THE NAME of this club shall be ROBERTS KNIGHT RIDERS, INC.
Section 2. THE PURPOSES of The Roberts Knight Riders, Inc. shall be:
(a) To generate a membership of neighbors and friends to mutually increase the pleasure of snowmobiling/ATVing through planned and supervised activities.
(b) To stimulate and advance the general welfare and safety of snowmobiling and ATVing.
(c) To serve the interest of snowmobilers and ATVers.
(d) To defend such owners against discriminatory legislation, unrealistic regulation and burdensome taxation.
(e) To promote snowmobiling safety by conducting clinics for the purpose of teaching snowmobile operation and safety to all snowmobilers, with special emphasis on children.
(f) To develop a fraternal spirit among snowmobilers and ATVers and other winter sports enthusiasts.
(g) To provide a medium for the exchange of snowmobiling and ATVing information.
(h) To own or lease property for club uses, when necessary.
(i) To perform all desirable and lawful functions for the successful operation of the club and the general public interest.
(j) To promote favorable public relations through policing of trails and through cooperation with respective landowners, with an offer to help correct any incidents of property abuse.
(k) To offer the club’s assistance to all law enforcement agencies for the apprehension of snowmobile /ATV violators or to assist as otherwise needed.
(l) To offer assistance to civil defense and other agencies responsible for public safety in times of disaster such as fire, flood, blizzard etc.
(m) To encourage conduct which will promote a positive image of the snowmobiler/ATVer to all.
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Section 3. DEDICATION: The Knight Riders, Inc. are dedicated to the proposition that:
(a) The sport of snowmobiling is America’s most exhilarating winter sport.
(b) The sports of snowmobiling and ATVing are here to stay.
(c) The sport of snowmobiling offers a sure-cure for “cabin fever” to a greater number of people in all age groups, than any other winter sport.
(d) The sports of snowmobiling and ATVing, having emerged from their infancy and now maturing, must establish an image equal or superior to all other leading recreational sports, and to this end this club is dedicated.
ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. CLUB MEMBERSHIP is open to anyone showing an interest in snowmobiling/ATVing and the club. Membership shall be limited to 100 families, with an option here taken to increase this number, by majority approval of members present at an official meeting. A membership is defined as either one person at least 18 years of age, or one family, the head of which must be at least 18 years of age. There shall be no limitation to the number of snowmobiles/ATVs owned by any member.
Section 2. HONORARY MEMBERSHIPS may be awarded to persons who are of special interest to the club. The Board of Directors may establish qualifications and rights of Honorary Members.
Section 3. REQUESTS FOR MEMBERSHIP shall be made to the Board of Directors for a vote of approval. Membership is contingent upon agreement by the applicant to abide by the club Bi-Laws, payment of the required dues and a favorable vote of the majority of the Board of Directors. Disapproval may not be for any reason of race, color, religion, or any other criteria that would be discriminatory.
Section 4. MEMBERSHIP MAY BE TERMINATED by action of the Board of Directors for non-payment of dues, or for any reason deemed by the Board of Directors to be prejudicial to the best interests of the club.
Section 5. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES:
(a) $20.00 per membership for all new families.
(b) $20.00 for renewal memberships (due by the conclusion of the regular meeting in December
(c) $25.00 per family for “members-at-large” or inactive memberships.
Inactive memberships may be granted by the Board of Directors to persons otherwise unable to actively contribute or participate in normal club activities. Inactive members are ineligible to hold office or to vote on any official club business. They may be invited to participate in the club events, however they will be ineligible to receive any club gratuities normally granted to regular members.
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The club’s annual Family Fun Day and Summer Camp-out shall be considered exceptions to this restriction.
(e) Dues shall cover the cost of membership to the Roberts Knight Riders, Inc., the St. Croix Co. Snowmobile Association, the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs and the Wisconsin ATV Association for one calendar year, beginning at the conclusion of the regular meeting in December.
Section 6. MEMBERSHIP VALIDITY: To remain a member in good standing in The Roberts Knight Riders, Inc., all members must:
(a) Be good sportsmen and promote sportsmanlike conduct, recognizing that people judge all snowmobilers/ATVers by our actions.
(b) Never litter or otherwise pollute trails or other property.
(c) Heed all trail signage and abide by all federal, state and local snowmobile and ATV ordinances, wherever you ride.
(d) Avoid damaging living trees, shrubs, or other natural structure and strive to respect other people’s property and rights.
(e) Offer a helping hand to anyone found in distress.
(f) Make yourself and your snowmobile or ATV available for search and rescue assistance, or other emergencies.
(g) Never interfere with, or harass hikers, skiers, snowshoe-ers, fishermen or other sportsmen. Members shall respect others rights to enjoy outdoor recreation.
(h) Never harass wildlife. Avoid areas posted for the protection or feeding of animals.
(i) Participate in club safety and first aid clinics, if asked.
(j) Participate in club trail maintenance and signing activities, as assigned.
(k) Fulfill minimum participation requirements as otherwise defined and agreed to by the club.
(l) Obey all club rules and requirements as herein stated and as otherwise set forth by the Board of Directors and agreed upon by the majority of the membership present at an official meeting.
(m) Register and license all snowmobiles and ATVs in accordance with the law.
(n) Stay on established trails unless a specific area is a designated playground for open riding.
Section 7. VOTING:
(a) Each active member who is at least 18 years of age, is entitled to one vote to decide issues affecting the club.
(b) Club issues may be decided by a simple majority vote of those members present at an official club meeting.
(c) Voting which may be of a confidential matter will be done by secret ballot.
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ARTICLE III - Affiliation
Section 1. THE ROBERTS KNIGHT RIDERS, INC. shall be affiliated with the St. Croix County Snowmobile Association, the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs and the Wisconsin ATV Association and shall abide by the decisions of those organizations.
ARTICLE IV - Management
Section 1. CLUB MANAGEMENT shall be comprised of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past-President and two Directors. One Director shall be the Primary County Assoc. Representative and the other shall be the Primary Trail Coordinator. These officers constitute the Board of Directors.
Section 2. NOMINATIONS for officers shall be opened to the membership during the club's regular meeting in March each year and shall remain open until elections are held.
Section 3. ELECTION of officers will be by majority vote of the members present during the club's regular meeting in April each year.
(a) Officers elect shall officially take office at the conclusion of the club's regular meeting in April, and hold office for a period of one year.
(b) Officers in all positions shall be eligible to be re-elected to consecutive terms (no limit).
Section 4. THE PRESIDENT shall preside over all meetings of the club, and is expected to manage the business of perpetuating the club’s purposes, responsibilities and traditions. He/She shall appoint committees as authorized by the Board of Directors and shall serve as an ex-officio member of said committees.
Section 5. THE VICE PRESIDENT shall assume the duties and power of the president during the absence or temporary incapacity of the president. He/She shall assume additional responsibilities as authorized by the Board of Directors.
Section 6. THE SECRETARY shall keep all club records other than financial, including meeting minutes, the membership roster, committee member listings and documents of historical value. He/She shall send and/or post meeting notices and carry out all of the usual secretarial functions of the club. The secretary shall insure that all club records are retained and archived for future reference, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Board of Directors and membership.
Section 7. THE TREASURER shall keep the financial accounts of the club, receive dues for membership, pay bills and generally be responsible for monitoring the financial health of the club. He/She shall keep the club’s funds in a bank approved by the membership, under the account name “Roberts Knight Riders, Inc.”. He/She shall be responsible for maintaining accurate and timely records of said account(s) and for preparing and presenting a treasurer’s report at each meeting.
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(a) Withdrawal of funds for any purpose shall be by check, signed by the Treasurer or the President, and are subject to prior approval by the Board of Directors.
(b) All payments over $250.00 are to be approved by the Board of Directors and the membership present at an official meeting.
(c) Financials shall be audited annually by a third party agreed upon by the Board of Directors.
Section 8. THE COUNTY ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE(S) shall actively represent the Roberts Knight Riders at all St. Croix County Snowmobile Association meetings & activities. He/She shall present a summary of each County Assoc. meeting at the very next Knight Riders meeting. This position may be shared by more than one member, however only the Primary Representative shall be included on the Board of Directors.
Section 9. THE TRAIL COORDINATOR(S) shall be responsible for managing and coordinating all club trail marking and maintenance activities. This position may be shared by more than one member, however only the Primary Coordinator shall be included on the Board of Directors.
Section 10. All officers shall have such other powers as are assigned by the by-laws, the membership or as are required by law.
ARTICLE V – Official Meetings
Section 1. OFFICIAL MEETINGS shall be held on the first Thursday of every month (October - May) beginning at 7:30 p.m. The location of each subsequent meeting will be determined at the close of each meeting. A minimum of five club members, including at least one club officer, must be present in order to constitute an official meeting.
(a) The club’s official meeting in November shall be designated as “The Annual Meeting”.
(b) Special meetings may be held throughout the year with a prior announcement of such meetings to the general membership.
(c) Official meeting dates may be canceled if deemed unnecessary by the Board of Directors. An announcement must be made to the general membership at least one meeting in advance of the cancellation.
Section 2. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS may meet at their discretion during the interim
between regularly scheduled meetings.
(a) Any members can be present at the Board of Directors meeting but do not have voting rights.
Section 3. The club’s fiscal year shall begin October 1st and end on September 30th of
each year.
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ARTICLE VI - Trail Riding
Section 1. CLUB TRAIL RIDES may be planned and organized by any volunteer member, appointed member or group of members.
(a) All regular members in good standing shall be invited on all club sponsored rides/trips.
(b) One club member, who is an experienced rider, shall be designated as the trail-ride leader and will be in charge of the ride. The trail-ride leader will be responsible for ensuring that all members of the group are accounted for and to see to it that proper safety procedures are followed, i.e. directing snowmobile/ATV traffic across dangerous crossings.
(c) No member of the club shall hold a landowner or the club and its membership liable for injuries suffered while participating in a club function.
Section 2. PREPARATION - Each member shall be responsible to plan and pay for his/her own expenses. Also, members shall see to it that their snowmobiles or ATV’s are adequately prepared and licensed, and are in good working order.
Section 3. CONDUCT - All club members will assume responsibility for proper trail conduct and discipline. Drinking and driving is particularly dangerous in the sports of snowmobiling/ATVing and accounts for the majority of serious accidents. Any member who abuses this rule may be eliminated from the ride by majority vote of those present, and stands to lose his membership in The Roberts Knight Riders, Inc.
ARTICLE VII – Dissolution
Section 1. If dissolution of The Roberts Knight Riders, Inc. should occur, all outstanding debts, if any, will be paid and any remaining funds & assets will be donated to another snowmobile/ATV club, snowmobile/ATV association or charity.
ARTICLE VIII - Amendments
Section 1. These By-Laws must be reviewed by the Board of Directors annually and amended as deemed appropriate, and presented to the membership-at-large for approval.
