Ft Ord BETA

Welcome!

;

www.FtOrdBETA.org


BETA Bicycle, Equestrian, Trails Assistance

BETA Bicycle, Equestrian, Trails Assistance
BETA Bylaws

MONTEREY BAY BIKE EQUESTRIAN

TRAIL ASSISTANCE TEAM BYLAWS

JULY 1997

(Revised 2009)

ARTICLE I

The name of this association is the Monterey Bay Bike Equestrian Trail Assistance Team, dba BETA.

ARTICLE II

A. This organization is a nonprofit public benefit organization and is not organized for the private gain of any person.

B. The specific purpose of this organization is to establish volunteer equestrian, hiker, and mountain bike patrols of the public trail systems in the Monterey Bay region. The purpose of the equestrian, hiker, and mountain bike patrols are to provide visitor assistance and emergency medical assistance to the public land non-motorized trail users, promote trail courtesy and etiquette among all trail users, support the development and maintenance of public non-motorized trail systems, and provide other assistance as needed to support public land trail systems.

ARTICLE III

The name and address in the state of California for this organization's initial agent for service of process is:

Eric Morgan, Ft. Ord Project Manager

Bureau of Land Management

20 Hamilton Court

Hollister, CA 95023

ARTICLE IV

A. This organization is organized and operated exclusively as a "charitable organization" to support the management of public land non-motorized trail systems within the meaning of Sections 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Federal Employer Identification Number is 91-2151223. The California Corporation Number C-2124169

B. No substantial part of the activities of this organization shall consist of lobbying, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the corporation shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign (including the publishing or distribution of statements) on behalf of any candidate for public office.

ARTICLE V

The property of this organization is irrevocably dedicated to the support of public land non-motorized trail systems and no part of the net income or assets of this corporation shall ever inure to the benefit of any director, officer or member thereof or to the benefit of any private person. Upon the dissolution or winding up of this organization, its assets remaining after payment or provision for payment, of all debts and liabilities of this corporation, shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation, organization, or corporation which is organized and operated to support public land trail systems and which has established its tax exempt status under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Originally signed by founding director and members April 8, 1998

ARTICLE I

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

The specific purpose of the Monterey Bay Bike Equestrian Trail Assistance (BETA) Team is to establish volunteer equestrian, hiker, and mountain bike patrols of public land systems in the Monterey Bay Region. The purpose of the equestrian, hiker, and mountain bike patrols are to provide visitor assistance and emergency medical assistance to public land non-motorized trail users, promote trail courtesy and etiquette among all trail users, support the development and maintenance of public non-motorized trail systems and provide other assistance as needed to support public land trail systems.

ARTICLE II

OFFICES

The principal offices for the transaction of business of the BETA shall be at such location within the County of Monterey as shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE III

MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

There shall be one class of membership in this organization. Any reputable person of good moral character shall be eligible for membership upon successful completion of a Trail Assistance training course, and current American Red Cross First Aid/CPR or equivalent certification. Each member shall be required to provide 18 hours of service in each quarter (average 6 hours per month). CPR and First Aid Class expenses for new members shall be reimbursed when reaching the 18 hour service requirement, as well as subsequent renewals. Service may be credited for conducting visitor service patrol, attending BETA meetings or training sessions, participation in BETA fund-raising events, BLM Events, or other activities in support of BETA goals as determined by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2. RIGHTS

General: No members shall have any financial interest or property right in the assets or property of this association. An employee of this organization shall not vote or hold office in this organization. All members shall have the right to vote, the right to hold office, the right to participate in the organization, events, and the right to attend and be heard at all meetings of this organization except as restricted under Article V, Section 9 of these Bylaws.

SECTION 3. DISCIPLINE

(a) Any member may be suspended, expelled or otherwise disciplined for failing in a material and serious degree to observe this organization's by-laws, policies or other rules of conduct, or purpose and interests of this organization. A suspended member shall not, during the period of his/her suspension, be eligible to vote or be eligible for election to the Board of Directors, or participate in activities.

(b) Disciplinary proceeding shall be initiated upon receipt by the Board of Directors of misconduct charges in writing, subscribed by five (5) members. The Board of Directors shall review such charges and determine whether sufficient cause exists for a recommendation that the challenged member be suspended, expelled or otherwise disciplined.

A formal recommendation of suspension, expulsion or other discipline may thereafter by adopted by a majority of the Board of Directors. After the Board of Directors adopts such a formal recommendation, the following procedure shall be followed:

(1) A notice shall be sent by prepaid first-class or registered mail to the most recent address of the challenged member as shown on the organization records, setting forth the formal recommendation of suspension, expulsion or other such discipline and a copy of the written charges which initiated the proceedings. Such notice shall be sent at least 15 days before the proposed effective date of the discipline.

(2) The challenged member shall be given an opportunity to be heard, either orally or in writing, at a hearing date of the proposed discipline. The hearing will be held by the Board of Directors. The notice to the challenged member shall state the date, time and place of the hearing and his/her proposed discipline.

(3) Following the hearing, the Board of Directors shall decide whether or not the challenged member should in fact be disciplined. The Board of Directors may suspend, expel or otherwise discipline the challenged member upon the adoption, by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors, of a resolution for that purpose.

SECTION 4. SUSPENSION OF VOTING PRIVILEGES

(a) Any member may have their voting privileges suspended for one calendar quarter if they fail to provide 18 hours of service in the previous calendar quarter (average 6 hours per month.) Service may be credited for conducting visitor service patrols, attending BETA meetings or training sessions, participating in BETA fund-raising activities, BLM Events, and participating in BETA goals as determined by the Board of Directors. When voting privileges are suspended, a member will not be eligible to vote or be eligible for election to the Board of Directors.

(b) The Board of Directors shall keep a tally of credited service hours for each member. An updated roster of the member and credit service hours shall be available for review at each monthly meeting.

(c) When the Board of Directors has determined that a member has not provided the requisite service hours and that the voting membership should be suspended, the following procedure should be followed.

(1) A notice shall be sent by prepaid first class or registered mail to the most recent address of the member as shown on the organization records setting forth the formal recommendation for suspension of voting membership. Such notice shall be sent as least 15 days before the proposed effective date of the voting suspension.

(2) The challenged member shall be given an opportunity to be heard, either orally or in writing, at a hearing date of the proposed suspension. The hearing will be held by the Board of Directors. The notice to the challenge member shall state the date, time, and place of the hearing on his/her proposed suspension.

(3) Following the hearing, the Board of Directors shall decide whether or not the member should in fact have their voting privileges suspended. The Board of Directors may suspend a member's voting privileges by a two-third volte of the Board of Directors of a resolution for that purpose.

ARTICLE IV

MEETING OF MEMBERS

SECTION 1. PLACE OF MEETINGS

All the meetings of members shall be held at such place as may be designated by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2. ANNUAL MEETINGS

An annual meeting of members shall be held in December of each year on any day of the month as selected by the Board of Directors. Written notice of each annual meeting shall be given to each member entitled to vote by mail, or electronically, addressed to each member at his/her current address on the books of the Monterey Bay Bike Equestrian Trail Assistance Team. All such notices shall be sent to each member entitled thereto not less than ten (10) days before such annual meeting and shall specify the time and place of such meeting and the general natures of the business to be transacted.

SECTION 3. MONTHLY MEETINGS

Monthly membership meetings shall be held at an established time, date and location each month. The Board of Directors shall set the time, date, and location of monthly meetings and shall notify all members if there is any change in the time date or location of the monthly meetings. The monthly meeting may be cancelled at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 4. SPECIAL MEETINGS

A special meeting of the members, for any purpose or purposes whatever, may be called at any time by the President, the Board of Directors, or ten (10) members. Notice of each special meeting shall be given in the same manner as for the annual meeting of members.

SECTION 5. VOTING (MEETINGS OF MEMBERS)

At all meetings every member who is in good standing who is present shall have the right to one vote, and not by proxy. Each member shall have the right to one vote, and not by proxy. Each member shall be required to provide 18 hours of service in each quarter (average 6 hours per month) to remain a member in good standing. Such vote may be by voice or ballot, except that all elections for directors shall be by ballot and in the manner specified in ARTICLE V, SECTION 3.

SECTION 6. QUORUM

The presence in person of twenty-five percent (25%) of the members at any meeting, annual or special, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The members present at a duly called or held meeting at which a quorum is present may continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough members to leave less than a quorum.

ARTICLE V

DIRECTORS

SECTION 1. POWERS

The Board of Directors shall be the governing body of the Monterey Bay Bike Equestrian Trail Assistance Team. Subject to the limitation of the Articles of Association, of the By-Laws and the laws of the State of California, all powers necessary or proper to carry on the activities of the Monterey Bay Bike Equestrian Trail Assistance Team shall be exercised by or under the authority of, and the affairs shall be controlled by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2. NUMBERS & QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

The authorized number of voting directors shall be six (6). The directors shall be elected for a term of one (1) year. The current President shall be the seventh (7th) member of the Board of Directors. The Board consists of the following: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and three Directors.

SECTION 3. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE

Election of officers/directors shall take place at the annual meeting of members. Candidates will be accepted by an oral nomination and second from the floor at the annual meeting. All Board of Directors candidates shall deliver a nomination speech at said annual meeting of members, immediately after which the new Board of Directors shall be elected by the membership. The newly elected directors shall take office immediately following the election.

SECTION 4. VACANCIES

Vacancies on the Board of Directors shall be filled by appointment by the president subject to the approval of the majority of all the Board of Directors. A vacancy or vacancies shall be deemed to exist in the case of death, resignation, or removal of any director, or if the authorized number of directors is increased, or if the members fail to elect enough directors to fill the existing vacancies. Directors appointed to fill such vacancies shall serve until the end of the current annual year regardless of the length of time remaining in the term of the vacating director.

SECTION 5. QUORUM

A majority of the Board of Directors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, except to adjourn as hereinafter provided. Every act or decision done or made by a majority of the directors present at the meeting duly held at which a quorum is present shall be regarded as the act of the Board of Directors, unless a greater number be required by law or by a By-Law of the Monterey Bay Bike Equestrian trail Assistance Team.

SECTION 6. COMPENSATION

Directors shall not receive compensation for their services.

SECTION 7. REGULAR MEETINGS

Regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at such time and such place as may be duly specified as the regular meeting time and place of said Board of Directors. Such resolution shall remain effective and the place thus designated shall be the regular meeting place, and the time designated shall be the regular meeting time unless superseded by resolution by said Board of Directors. No notice shall be required to be given of any regular meeting of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 8. SPECIAL MEETINGS

A special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held whenever called by the President or any two Officers. All members of the Board of Directors shall be notified at least twenty-four (24) hours before the time of such meeting. Notification must include the order of business.

SECTION 9. NON-VOTING AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES

A representative of each land management agency where BETA volunteer patrols are currently being conducted shall be invited to participate in all Board of Director and member meetings. Agency representatives shall be allowed full participation in all meetings, but shall not be allowed to vote, and shall not be allowed to serve as an officer or member of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VI

OFFICERS

SECTION 1. OFFICERS

The officers of the Monterey Bay Bike Equestrian Trail Assistance Team shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three Directors.

SECTION 2. ELECTION

The officers shall be elected at the annual meeting of members. Candidates will be accepted by an oral nomination and second from the floor at the annual meeting of members, immediately after which the new President shall be elected by the membership.

SECTION 3. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION

Any director or officer may be removed by a two-thirds vote of all the Board of Directors. Director and officers shall attend all Board and general meetings. Three (3) absences without due notification or six (6) absences for any reason from monthly board/membership meetings shall constitute automatic removal from the Board of Directors. Any director or officer may resign by giving written notice to the Board of Directors or to the President. Any such resignation shall take effect upon receipt of such notice or any later time specified therein, and acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

SECTION 4. VACANCIES

A vacancy in any office shall be filled as prescribed in the Article V, Section 4.

SECTION 5. PRESIDENT

The President shall be the chief executive officer and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, have general supervision and control of the affairs of the officers of the Monterey Bay Bike Equestrian Trail Assistance Team. She or he shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of members and shall appoint all committees, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. He or she shall have such other powers and duties as are usually vested in the office of the President of a corporation. The President shall submit an annual report to the Board of Directors within 30 days of the end of the business year.

SECTION 6. VICE PRESIDENT

The Vice President is a member of the board of directors and takes the place of the President when he/she is not available.

SECTION 7. SECRETARY

The secretary shall have charge of all records and correspondence of the organization except financial, and shall keep a book of minutes of all the meetings of the Board of Directors, with the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, and if special, how authorized and the names of those present. The book of minutes shall be present at each meeting of the Board of Directors, unless the Secretary is unable to attend such meeting. In the absence or disability of the President and Vice-President, the Secretary shall perform all the duties and powers of the President. The Secretary shall have such other duties and powers as prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors or By-Laws.

SECTION 8. TREASURER

The Treasurer shall keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the financial affairs of the organization. The Treasurer shall deposit all monies or other valuables in the name of the Monterey Bay Bike Equestrian Trail Assistance Team, with such depositories as designated by the Board of directors. The Treasurer shall disburse funds as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, account for all transactions as Treasurer, provide a statement of financial condition of the organization, and have such other duties and powers as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall submit regular financial statements showing receipts, disbursements and balances as directed by the Board of Directors at least quarterly.

SECTION 9. DIRECTORS

The directors are members selected to participate in the specific operation of the organization. They attend monthly board meetings and take part in the governing of the organization.

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 1. CONDUCT AT MEETINGS

Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the procedure of business in all matters in which they are applicable and not inconsistent with these By-Laws.

SECTION 2. FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year shall begin on the first day of January of each year.

SECTION 3. CHECKS, DRAFTS, INSTRUMENTS

All instruments or other forms of payment of money, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name or payable to the Monterey Bay Bike Equestrian Trail Assistance Team, shall be signed or endorsed by at least two members of the board of Directors and in such manner as from time to time shall be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors. The banking institution shall retain at least 3 current members of the board on the signature card at all times.

SECTION 4. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES

In order for BETA to operate as a tax exempt organization the following forms must be filed either annually or biannual with any appropriate fees.

1. IRS 990N Electronic Notice (e-postcard) - NO FEE

* The Employer Identification Number is 91-2151223 * http://epostcard.form990.org * Due yearly by the 15th of May after the close of tax year.

2. California Form -Statement of Information (SI-100)

* California Corporation Number C-2124169 * Due every even numbered year in October. * Fee is $20.00

3. Directors and Officers Liability Insurance

* Billed Annually

SECTION 5. ANNUAL REPORT

Not later than 30 days after the close of this organization's fiscal year, the Board of Directors shall cause an annual report to be prepared. Such report shall contain the following information in reasonable detail:

a) A balance sheet as of the end of the fiscal year and an income statement and statement of changes in financial position for the New Year.

b) A statement of the place where the names and addresses of the current members are located.

c) At the January meeting each year, the following will be transferred to the incoming secretary and Treasurer:

a. Minutes of all meetings

b. Treasurer's reports, bank statements, checkbook, and cashbox.

c. Copies of contracts and agreements

d. Annual report

e. Copies of pertinent documents shall be shared with sponsoring agencies as requested or needed.

SECTION 6. DISSOLUTION

Upon the dissolution or winding up of the organization, its assets remaining after payment, or provision for payment, of all debts and liabilities of this corporation, shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund foundation, organization, or corporation which is organized and operated to support public land trail systems and she has established its tax exempt status under 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

SECTION 7. UNIFORMS

When performing service hours, BETA members shall wear distinctive items of clothing (shirts, jackets, vests) that display the BETA patch and insignia.These items of clothing will be issued to the members by the organization and are to be returned to the organization if/when a person ceases to be a member or the item of clothing becomes unserviceable.

ARTICLE VIII

AMEMDMENTS

SECTION 1. AMENDMENTS BY MEMBERS

New By-Laws may be adopted or these By-Laws may be repealed or amended at any regular meeting of members called for that purpose, by two-thirds vote of the regular members present in good standing. The power to change the number of Directors rests in the membership.

SECTION 2. AMENDMENT BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

By-Laws, other than a By-Law or amendment thereof changing the authorized number of directors may be adopted, amended or repealed by two-thirds vote of all the Board of Directors.

BETA's purpose is to establish volunteer equestrian, hiking, and mountain bike patrols of public trail systems in the Monterey Bay region. The purpose of these patrols is to provide assistance to visitors of the trail systems, promote trail courtesy and etiquette among all trail user groups. Further, the purpose of BETA is to support the development and maintenance of public trails and to provide other assistance as needed.



BETA's purpose is to establish volunteer equestrian, hiking, and mountain bike patrols of public trail systems in the Monterey Bay region. The purpose of these patrols is to provide assistance to visitors of the trail systems, promote trail courtesy and etiquette among all trail user groups. Further, the purpose of BETA is to support the development and maintenance of public trails and to provide other assistance as needed.



A WORD ABOUT BETA
Bicycle Equestrian Trails Assistance
Providing Aid and Assistance to the Fort Ord Trail Community as Bicyclist, Equestrians and as Hikers with knowledge and pride.