Constitution

Historical Society of Lake Pleasant & Speculator

Remembering the Past

Constitution and By-Laws

February 17, 2015

Article I: Name

The name of this organization is Historical Society of Lake Pleasant and Speculator.

Article II :Purposes

  1. The Society is organized exclusively for preservation of historical information, charitable and educational purposes. The organization shall not undertake any activities for the purpose of political propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation.
    1. The purpose of this organization shall be to maintain an association of persons interested in supporting and promoting the local history of the Village of Speculator and the Town of Lake Pleasant, New York and the Historical Museum of the Town of Lake Pleasant (hereafter, the historical museum).
    2. raise funds and provide services to further the development of local historical information and artifacts.
    3. collect and preserve local genealogical records.
    4. promote the museum and to provide it with resources and services.
    5. present programs of local historical interest for the community.
  2. No part of the assets or income of the organization shall be distributable to, or assigned to benefit its’ members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and make payments and distributions in furtherance of its purpose.

Article III: Membership

  1. Membership and voting eligibility is open to all persons interested in the Society and the museum upon payment of the annual dues.
  2. There shall be three types of membership per person, with dues payable at the beginning of the calendar year: annual, lifetime and student
  • Changes to annual dues shall require the consent of a majority of those present and are in good standing at the annual meeting.

Article IV: Meetings

  1. Monthly meetings will be held. The May meeting will serve as the annual meeting. The President may call other meetings of the membership if needed.
  2. A quorum is necessary to conduct business which requires a motion (e.g., the expenditure of money). No less than five members in good standing shall constitute a quorum.

Article V Officers

  1. Officers of the Society shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. Officers shall serve for a term of two years beginning July 1 in the year of the election. Officers shall serve voluntarily without compensation of other monetary benefit.
  2. In the year of an election, the President shall appoint a Nominating Committee at least one month prior to the elections. The Nominating Committee shall consist of persons from the membership appointed by the President.
  3. If a vacancy occurs during the term of an officer, a replacement shall be named by the President from the general membership for the duration of the unexpired term.

Article VI: Duties of the Officers

  1. The President shall:
    1. Preside at the annual meeting, the monthly meetings and any special meetings.
    2. Appoint Committee Chairs to be in charge of various activities of the organizations.
    3. Appoint the Nominating Committee.
    4. Represent the organization before other organizations or delegate a representative to do so.
    5. Shall be a member of each of the committees and assign the vice president to some of these committees.
    6. Limit the right to vote only in those instances to break a tie.
  1. The Vice President shall:
    1. Keep an accurate and current membership list
    2. Preside at meetings and perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President.
    3. Shall be a member of the committees as required by the President.
  1. The Secretary shall:
    1.  Keep the minutes of all meetings
    2. Preserve the minutes in a safe place
    3. Compose any correspondence as directed by the President.
    4. Have copies of the minutes of meetings available at the museum or the Lake Pleasant Public Library.
  1. The Treasurer shall:
    1. Keep an accurate account of all monies received or expended by the organization.
    2. Deposit monies received in a bank designated by the officers
    3. Pay all bills approved by membership vote
    4. Report on the financial standing of the organization at all meetings
    5. Prepare returns to the State of New York, the Federal government and any other governmental agency as required annually and upon dissolution
    6. After each fiscal year, (May 1 – April 31) supply the Audit Committee with the organization’s bank records and copies of the bookkeeping records by May 31 .

Article VII: Board of Directors

  1. Board of Directors shall set policies and make recommendations for the Society
  2. These policies and recommendations shall be brought before the membership to be voted upon.
  3. The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and one or more Trustees serving a two-year term elected at the Annual Meeting by the membership.

Article VIII: Audit Committee

  1. The Audit Committee shall consist of three members in good standing that are not officers
  2. The duties of the Audit Committee shall be to conduct an informal review of the financial records of the Society after each fiscal year and prepare a written report on its’ findings for presentation.

Article IX : Amendments

  1. A proposed amendment to the By-Laws of the organization must be submitted in writing. Copies shall be available to the full membership at least one month prior to the monthly meeting, annual meeting, or specially called meeting.
  2. Approval of any amendment to the By-Laws shall require acceptance of 60% by those members present at the meeting.

Article X : Dissolution of the Organization

If this organization is either voluntarily or involuntarily dissolved:

  1. All outstanding liabilities are to be discharged and legal matters settled.
  2. All remaining funds shall be distributed to the Town of Lake Pleasant, New York, restricted for the use of the Historical Museum of the Town of Lake Pleasant. If the museum does not exist or cannot accept the restricted distribution, all remaining funds shall be distributed to other museums in Hamilton County, New York, as specified by the officers.
  3. The officers will make the necessary reports to the State of New York, the Federal government and other governmental organizations, if necessary, to inform them of the dissolution of the corporation.