AMA Charter Club #594
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Information & Resources

Bylaws

Knox County Radio Control Society, Inc.

Revised October 2009

Article I, General

  1. The name of the Corporation shall be Knox County Radio Control Society, Inc., hereinafter referred to as KCRC and/or Club.
  2. The Club shall be a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics and shall maintain a current Charter issued by the Academy of Model Aeronautics, hereinafter referred to as AMA.
  3. The Club shall make every effort to adhere to the terms of a lease issued between Knox County, Tennessee and KCRC in order to have an available site from which to carry out its purpose.
  4. The KCRC location shall be in the State of Tennessee, County of Knox.
  5. The purpose and objective of KCRC is to provide for the orderly environment, safety, and enjoyment for members to pursue all aspects of their hobby/sport of Radio Controlled Model Aircraft.
  6. The Club shall always be a legally maintained Corporation in the State of Tennessee. In the event, and for any reason this shall have been canceled or have lapsed, the Club shall provide all members with immediate notice of such occurrence.

Article II, Officers

  1. The officers of the Club shall consist of: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Safety Coordinator. The term of office for elected officers shall be one year.
  2. Executive Committee. The above listed officers, the Immediate Past President and two elected members shall serve as the Club’s Executive Committee.
  3. Duties. The President shall preside at all meetings. He shall be Chairman of the Executive Committee and is responsible for the composition of all other committees, both Standing and Ad-hoc. He is also a member ex officio of all committees.
  4. The Vice President shall serve in the President’s capacity at all times when the President is absent. He shall automatically assume the presidency if the Chair becomes vacant.
  5. The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings of the membership and the Executive Committee. He shall keep a count of members attending meetings, records of resignations, expulsions, and delinquencies affecting voting privileges. Additionally, he shall mail to the member’s notices of all special meetings, attend to all required correspondence concerning AMA notifications, and comply with the Bylaws requirements relevant to elections and/or amendments to the Bylaws.

    The Secretary at his option may appoint a deputy to assist in the many requirements of the office. The Deputy shall not be an officer except in the event the Secretary is absent at which time he may function in the Secretary’s stead and with the Secretary’s permission. In the event the Secretary’s position becomes vacant the Executive Committee shall appoint a replacement.
  6. The Treasurer shall have charge of Club funds, pay bills when approved by the President, or by vote of the membership, and make a monthly report to the membership during scheduled monthly meetings. The Treasurer may disburse funds for such recurring services as approved by the President provided the expenditure for any single service shall not exceed $150.00. In the event it becomes necessary to increase the $150.00 limit, the membership may vote to increase same upon recommendation of the Executive Committee.

    There shall be two types of Club funding categories, Budgeted and Discretionary. Budgeted funds are those formerly approved expenditures required to meet all ongoing and previously obligated costs, and may be disbursed by the Treasurer upon receipt of a proper invoice. Discretionary funds are those funds remaining and available which are in excess of those funds required to meet the Club’s budgeted pre-obligated, and/or anticipated costs.

    Discretionary fund approval and disbursements must meet the following criteria. Amounts not to exceed 1/3 (33%) of the then current discretionary funds available must have the approval of a simple majority of those attending a general membership meeting. Amounts in excess of 33%, but not greater than 66% of the then current discretionary funds available must have the approval of a two-thirds majority of those attending a general membership meeting. Amounts exceeding 66% of the then current discretionary funds available must be approved by a Poll Vote.

    The Treasurer’s monthly meeting report shall at a minimum provide the current budgeted and discretionary funds available at that time.
  7. Safety Coordinator - The Safety Coordinator shall be appointed by the Club president. He shall maintain order at all meetings and in addition he shall be chairperson for the Field Committee. In addition he is to promote increased safety awareness on the part of all members, improve the public perception of modeling as a safe and desirable sport, and provide a means by which important safety information can be shared between clubs. AMA chartered clubs will be required to establish the position of Safety Coordinator. This person will act as a communications liaison between the Club and AMA Headquarters to ensure timely distribution of safety related material and as such, he must have E-mail access.

    Recommended Duties:
    • Provide a communications link between AMA and the Club in matters related to safety.
    • Act as a safety advisor and resource manager for the Club and its members.
    • Assist AMA in the establishment of a national safety program to reduce accidents/incidents.
    • Develop, promote and encourage a climate of safety awareness within AMA clubs.
    Safety Coordinator activities include the following:
    • Inspect operational areas for proper signage and safety equipment as applicable.
    • Distribute AMA Accident/Incident Report Forms and assure they are properly used.
    • Conduct safety awareness training and related programs during Club meetings.
    • Conduct, at least annually, a safety audit of Club facilities, equipment, and grounds to ensure everything is in good working order and safe for normal use by members and the public.
    • Act as a liaison with the local EMS/Fire Department.
    • Establish a Club emergency action plan to handle serious accidents/incidents.
    • Coordinate appropriate first aid training for members using qualified instructors.
    • Develop an appropriate communications plan to assist Club officers and members.
    • Review emergency procedures (fire and rescue) with Club members on an annual basis.
    • Immediately report to AMA Headquarters any incidents at the Club field. During normal Business hours, call (765) 287-1256; after hours call (765) 749-9210 or (765) 212-0793.

Article III, Committees

  1. The Club’s Standing Committees shall be:
    • Executive Committee (Elected)
    • Safety Committee (Appointed)
    • Field Committee (Appointed)
    • Program Committee (Appointed)
    • Bylaws Committee (Appointed)
  2. Executive Committee. The management of the affairs of the Club shall be vested in Executive Committee who shall have the authority to establish and administer its policies. Official decisions may be made by a two-thirds majority vote at an Executive Committee meeting. A quorum shall consist of at least 50% of the current committee members.

    Official decisions shall be consistent with the stated purposes and objectives of the AMA as set forth in the AMA s and, where those AMA bylaws are not specified, vested in the sound discretion of the Executive Committee. The official decisions made shall be public, and not conflict with, nor subrogate the Club’s Bylaws.
  3. The Safety Committee shall meet at least quarterly for discussion of potential safety hazards and to recommend to the Executive Committee any suggestions, and/or proposals for discussion in open meetings. The Safety Committee shall have the authority to restrict flying of any aircraft deemed to be flying in a hazardous fashion until such time as the incident may be discussed with the Executive Committee.

    The committee shall be made up of the safety coordinator and two members in good standing appointed by the President. This committee shall also be responsible for enforcing sound level requirements as per KCRC rules and regulations.
  4. The Field Committee shall be chaired by the Safety Coordinator. The committee should meet as often as necessary to assure that the Club flying field and improvements are always kept clean, sanitary, and in usable condition for use by all members and guests.
  5. The Bylaws Committee shall meet whenever a change in the Bylaws is deemed necessary, and shall recommend all changes to the Executive Committee. Any change to the Bylaws and approved by the Club shall be put in proper form and submitted to the Secretary who will notify each Club member of the change by letter.
  6. The Program Committee shall be chaired by the Vice President and endeavor to provide interesting and educational programs for each Club meeting.
  7. Members of a Standing Committee term shall be for the entire year and shall terminate at the time of installation of a new President. However, the Standing Committee shall continue to function until the new President at his discretion dissolves the current committee membership while replacing it with a new membership. The President may at any time remove a member of any Standing committee, other than a member of the Executive Committee, which is an elected office.
  8. Special Committees may be appointed by the President at any time to counsel, and advise the President and the membership on any matter outside the purview of the Standing Committees. Any active member as well as a nonmember may hold committee membership in the event that the non-member has knowledge, expertise, or specific intelligence of the matter before the committee that will enhance the committee’s final objectives.

Article IV, Elections

  1. The election of officers shall be held annually at the December meeting.
  2. The Nominating committee shall consist of three members appointed by the President and shall be appointed no less than one month prior to the November meeting.
  3. The Nominating committee shall make every effort to submit no less than two member nominees for each elected office, and this report shall be given at the November meeting. In the event it occurs that only one individual agrees to be the nominee for an office, the two nominee requirement may be waived. Additional nominations may be made by any active Club member holding voting rights, either in person, or by submitting a nomination to the nominating committee. All known nominations for office shall be published in the newsletter prior to the election.
  4. Mail-in and electronic balloting shall be available for those members who have voting rights but cannot attend the meeting. Those ballots returned either by mail or electronically before the next meeting, will be counted as if those members were present at the meeting.
  5. Officers are to be elected by a vote of a simple majority of those participating in the voting at the regular meeting scheduled for that purpose.
  6. A secret ballot is required for elections. A secret ballot is required for removal of a Club officer, a member of the Executive Committee, and for expulsion of a member from the Club.
  7. The Executive Committee shall, subject to the following, fill a vacancy of any elected office other than the President for the remainder of the term. The Executive Committee as so empowered, shall give recognition that this being an elected office, the runner-up for that office in the last election be given first opportunity to succeed the incumbent.
  8. Installation of new officers shall occur at the January meeting.

Article V, Voting

  1. When a vote is called for, all Active, Complimentary, and Emeritus members are entitled to one vote each.
  2. Unless otherwise ordered within the Bylaws, voting shall be limited to two types of voting procedure by the membership: a simple voice vote or a written ballot.
  3. Other than a Poll Vote at any Club meeting, a vote on a motion shall be sufficient for approval of a motion, subject to the following. All balloting shall be restricted to two options: “Yea” or “Nay.” No other vote will be considered as valid, and shall not be counted. A “Yea” vote will be considered as a vote for approval, a “Nay” vote will be considered a vote against the proposal. Abstentions will be considered as meaning the member has no opinion on the proposal and gives tacit approval of the results as determined by a tally of the “Yea” and “Nay” votes. Only “Yea” or “Nay” votes will be counted for approval or disapproval of the motion.

    In the event that a motion is made, and upon calling for the question, it is apparent that the issues may be unusually controversial, the President may, at his discretion, determine that the issue should properly be put to a vote of the entire membership. In such cases the President shall convene the Executive Committee for a final decision on which type of vote will be the most responsible to uphold and reflect the best interests of the Club membership. A Poll Vote is mandatory for assessments, amendments to the Bylaws, and dissolution.
  4. The Executive Committee may at its option determine that the subject under consideration is of such breadth as it affects the entire membership, and therefore determines that a more democratic poll of the membership would be advisable. In such cases the Executive Committee may require a poll of the entire membership using the methodology as outlined below, or the Executive Committee may decline to intercede with the motion and return it to the floor. In the event the Executive Committee decides to have a membership poll, the notification to the membership shall follow the procedures below.
  5. All members having voting privileges shall be entitled to a poll type vote by either attending the meeting scheduled for the vote, voting by mail-in ballot, or voting by electronic means. Mail-in and electronic ballots will be available for those members who have voting rights but cannot attend the meeting. Those ballots, when received prior to the scheduled meeting, will be counted as if those members were present at the meeting and shall be counted as participating in the voting. Passage shall require that a minimum of fifty percent of those participating in the vote be required for approval of the matter under consideration unless otherwise directed by the Bylaws.
  6. For poll voting all balloting shall be restricted to two options. They are: “Yea” or “Nay”. No other vote will be considered as valid, and shall not be counted. A “Yea” vote will be considered as a vote for approval, a “Nay” vote will be considered a vote against the proposal. Abstentions (nonvote) will be considered as meaning the member has no opinion on the proposal and gives tacit approval of the results as determined by a tally of the “Yea” and “Nay” votes. Only “Yea” or “Nay” votes will be counted for approval or disapproval of the proposal.
  7. Any member, after having been duly notified, who does not participate in a timely fashion by using either of the authorized methods will be considered as non-participating, and as such, must accept the results of the final vote.
  8. When a Poll Vote has been called for, the membership must be advised at a general membership meeting no less than one month prior to the meeting scheduled for the vote. Additionally, the membership shall have a notice published in the newsletter providing details of the proposal to be voted upon. A suitable mail-in ballot shall be provided in the newsletter as well as instructions.
  9. In order to minimize expenses while providing expeditious communications with the membership, the following communication methodology will be utilized. The monthly Club newsletter will be posted on the Club’s web site. Any member unable to utilize this method, or desiring not to do so, will be mailed a hard copy of the newsletter and any relevant announcements upon requesting same in writing from the newsletter Editor. For any written notification required by the Bylaws, e.g., poll Voting, and/or relevant data, special notices, etc., will be sent by email notification, and the relevant material will be posted on the Club’s web site for downloading. Any member unable to utilize this method, or desiring not to do so, will be mailed a hard copy upon requesting same in writing from the Club Secretary. It shall be the responsibility of the individual member to properly notify the Club of his desire to use the written/printed hard copy method in lieu of the email method.

Article VI, Dues/Fees

  1. The dues and field fees shall be set for the following year at the regular December meeting, and shall be reviewed, and voted upon annually. The Executive Committee, being the most cognizant of the fiscal needs of the Club, shall present to the members a summation of anticipated needs and recommend dues as appropriate at the November meeting. The Executive Committee shall also provide recommended delinquency rules and penalties for late paying members for the following year. The membership shall give proper recognition to the recommendations, however, said recommendations are not binding upon the voting members. Motions may be made for changes to the dues and delinquency penalties as suggested by the Executive Committee. The acceptance of the Executive Committee proposals, or proposed changes which pass by a simple majority, shall appear in the December Newsletter.
  2. The dues and field fees are due and payable January 1st of each year and members shall be considered delinquent if dues are not paid in full on or before the February general membership meeting. The delinquent penalty period shall run from the day following the January meeting through the March general membership meeting after which time if still delinquent, the member shall be dropped from the membership rolls.

    During the delinquency period the member shall suffer the loss of all Club privileges until such time as the dues and delinquency penalties are paid in full. In the event the member later applies for reinstatement, he must have paid the regular dues in full, plus any penalty, and then may resume active participation in Club affairs and have all Club privileges restored.
  3. In addition to the annual dues the Club may elect to assess a fee for field maintenance provided the Executive Committee recommends it, and a motion is made to assess a specific fee and approved by the membership. It is recommended that the Executive Committee give specific attention to the Article regarding voting on matters that may be very contentious.
  4. In consideration of the time and effort placed upon the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Safety Coordinator and Newsletter Editor the Club shall provide free membership for the year of their tenure.

Article VII, Membership

  1. Qualification for membership. The membership shall be open to any interested person subject only to the minimal requirements hereinafter set forth.
  2. License requirements. The applicant shall have a current license from the AMA.
  3. Regulatory compliance. The applicant must agree to comply with all the Club's Bylaws, rules, and regulations, a copy of which will be provided at the time of application.
  4. Dues and assessments. The applicant must agree to pay all dues, assessments, and/or necessary field maintenance fees for the operation of the Club.
  5. Resolution of grievances, disciplinary action, and expulsion. Grievances concerning a member when filed are subject to the following procedures:
    • The grievance procedure provides a mechanism to enforce existing safety, Club Bylaws, and rules by providing for a progressive disciplinary system when needed. Although most complaints can be resolved informally, the matter should be referred to the Safety Committee Chairman for his consideration by means of a Grievance Form to be filled out and turned into the Safety Committee Chairman. At least one witness is required to sign the Grievance Form. The Club Grievance Form shall be a copy of the AMA’s suggested Grievance Form.
    • First Violation. Viewpoints of both complainants and accused will be considered. Complainant’s name shall be disclosed. If the committee finds it appropriate, a verbal reprimand will be given to the accused by appropriate committee chairman and the reprimand will be reported to the Executive Committee for the record.
    • Second violation. Complainant’s name shall be disclosed. The accused has a right to a written rebuttal, to be reviewed by the Safety Committee. If the Safety Committee so decides a recommendation shall be sent to the Executive Committee that the flying privileges of the accused will be suspended for thirty days. Written notice of this shall be issued and a copy published in the Club’s newsletter.
    • Third violation. The Safety Committee shall forward to the Executive Committee their recommendation that the accused should be notified in writing and the Club members via the Club Newsletter that the Club will vote on the expulsion of the accused at the next meeting. Said expulsion will last for a one year minimum or longer if deemed necessary by the Executive Committee. A member may be expelled from the Club only upon a two-thirds majority Poll Vote of the membership. The expelled member may reapply for membership after the expiration of the expulsion time period.
    • The three actions will not be enforced unless they are accumulated within a two year period of time.
    • Any member receiving a Grievance, who directs any retaliation action against the person filing such Grievance, will be subject to immediate expulsion from the Club. This includes threats, intimidation, physical harm, intentional equipment damage, or any other action deemed to be retaliatory by the Executive Committee.
  6. Resignations and reinstatement. An inactive member is one who has resigned only temporarily by notification to the Secretary. His dues must be current at the time of resignation. He may be reinstated upon request.
  7. Categories of members. The membership shall consist of Active, Complimentary, Emeritus, Associate, and Inactive members.
  8. Associate member. The Executive Committee may at their option designate someone to become an Associate Member due to their interest in the activities of the Club. Associate Members cannot vote, pay no dues, have no privileges relevant to the use of the Club field, nor fly aircraft unless they have a current AMA membership, and are accompanied by a member. The Associate member may serve in a capacity designated by the Executive Committee such as a non-voting Publicists, Historian, Consultant, etc. This shall not preclude an Active member from accepting any of these positions, whereupon the active member does not forfeit any of their normal privileges.
  9. Complimentary members shall consist of those persons who by their actions, donations, and other benefits to the Club have been so designated by Club action. These members shall keep their AMA license current. Complimentary membership is for one year but may be reinstated annually. Complimentary members shall be entitled to vote.
  10. Emeritus members shall be designated by the Club as those who over the years have made exceptional contributions to modeling and have earned permanent status. The members shall keep their AMA membership current. The Club shall provide free membership.
  11. Only Active and Emeritus members shall hold office.
  12. The names of all Past Presidents shall constitute an honorary roll of membership that shall retain a permanent place in the Clubs historical record.
  13. The names of the Knox County Executive, and Knox County Parks and Recreation Department Director shall be placed on the honorary roll because of their most valued assistance in leasing the flying site.
  14. Any active member may bring guests to any meeting. If a guest wishes to fly a model, the sponsoring member is responsible for checking his AMA license and for FCC compliance. A guest who flies more than three times a year should be offered membership in the Club. If the individual declines, their flying privileges shall be curtailed until they join the Club.

Article VIII, Assessments

In the event that the Executive Committee determines that a membership assessment is fiscally necessary or desirable in order to provide for a program or project beneficial to the Club’s best interests, the following shall be done before any assessment can become effective.

  1. The Executive Committee must provide to the membership a full disclosure of the reason for any assessment, the cost/amount of the assessment, and the time necessary to complete the alleged need. A vote on any assessment shall be by a Poll Vote of membership and shall follow the methods stated under Article V, which provides procedures for such voting.
  2. The Executive Committee may subsequently decide to withdraw the request, or opt to place the matter to a vote of the membership. Only in the event that the need for the request for assessment is necessary to comply with a Federal, State, or County law in effect wherein the Club is in violation, or a directive from AMA that places the Club’s Charter in jeopardy, may the Executive Committee impose an immediate assessment to remedy the need, and only then in an amount not covered by the Club’s treasury. All other requests for an assessment must be by a Poll Vote by the membership.

Article IX, Dissolution

  1. The Corporation may be dissolved with the approval of a two-thirds majority vote of the total membership.
  2. Voting shall require that the entire active membership be allowed to vote by mail-in ballot, electronic ballot, or by personally voting while present at a meeting scheduled for the purpose.
  3. Upon approval of the dissolution of the Corporation, the Executive Committee shall, after paying or making provisions for payment of all liabilities of the Corporation, dispose of the assets of the Corporation exclusively for the purposes of the Corporation in such manner, to the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Inc., or to other such organization or organizations recognized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any of such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas (or similar court) of the county in which the principal office of this Corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes and to such organization or organizations, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

Article X, Audit

The President or his appointee will make a periodic audit of the Treasurer’s books.

Article XI, Duration

The duration of the Club shall be perpetual.

Article XII, Meetings

  1. Regular meetings shall be held at a time and place designated by the Club officers and published in the Club newsletter.
  2. Club officers may call special meetings with no less than five days’ prior written notice of a special meeting. The purpose of the special meeting shall be fully stated in the written notice.
  3. The purpose of the following is to provide any individual member, or group of members, to request the Executive Committee to give formal recognition, study, and potential implementation to a proposal for action beneficial to the Club. Example: Proposing a valued member to be voted a member Emeritus. Any member of the Club may initiate a formal request for action by the Executive Committee by submitting a written proposal to the President. The proposal shall include a written description of the nature, type, and extent of Executive Committee action recommended. The Chairman of the Executive Committee shall forward copies of the proposal to the other members of the committee for their consideration. Either the Chairman, or any other committee member, may have the matter placed upon the working agenda of the next Club meeting.

Article XIII, Incorporation

The incorporation of this membership shall be a minimum of three of the elected officers.

Article XIV, Parliamentary Law

  1. “Robert’s Rules of Order” (revised) shall govern all questions of order not covered by these Bylaws.
  2. Unless temporarily tabled by the Executive Committee a two thirds vote is required to table a motion.

Article XV, Flying Site Safety and Operational Rules