FOR Bylaws

June 13, 2009

Version 2

Friends of Ripple Lake Bylaws

Purpose The purpose of the Friends of Ripple Lake (FOR Lake) is to help
preserve and protect Ripple Lake and its surroundings; and to
enhance the water quality, fishery, boating, safety, and aesthetic
values of Ripple Lake, as a recreational facility for today and future
generations.

Article I

MEMBERSHIP
Membership of FOR Lake (Membership, Members) shall be open to
all people, including groups, agencies, foundations, or associations,
and upon payment of annual dues.

Section 1 Dues
Officers and Directors (Board Members) shall recommend the
amount for annual dues, which and shall be voted upon during the
Annual Meeting. Dues do not cover Association-sponsored social
events. Annual dues are payable in June, for the period June 1
through May 31.

Section 2 Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting shall be held in June. Official notice of the
annual meeting shall be made by mail, and mailed to the last
address of record at least 15 days prior to the meeting date.
Members shall be entitled to up to 2 adult votes per Membership, in
affairs of FOR Lake. Attendance of 20 percent of the Membership
shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of the Membership. Meetings
shall be held at a location determined by Board Members.

Article II

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1 Election of Officers and Directors and Term of Office
Board Members of FOR Lake shall be elected by the Membership at
the Annual Meeting, and shall serve a 3-year term. Tenure of Board
Members shall be limited to 2 consecutive 3-year terms. Eligibility
for re-election is granted after leaving the board for a 1-year period.
For the initial election, the President, Treasurer and Secretary will
serve 3-year terms, and the Vice President, Director-at-Large and
two Directors will serve 2-year terms. Thereafter every position will
serve a 3-year term.

Section 2 Board Members
The Board of Directors shall consist of 9 Board Members; 4 Officers
and 5 Directors.

Section 3 Officer Positions
The officers of FOR Lake (Officers) shall be: President, Vice
President, Secretary, and Treasurer, who shall be elected from and
by the board of directors.

Section 4 Directors
The directors of FOR Lake shall be the four Standing Committee
chairpersons, and one Director-at-Large (Directors). An Officer shall
not be a Standing Committee chairperson or the Director-at-Large.

Section 5 Board of Directors’ Meetings
Board Members shall attend Board meetings, with a minimum of 6
Board meetings per year. Meetings shall be held at a location and
time determined by Board Members. A quorum shall consist of a
majority of Board Members, or five members, whichever is greater.
Any Member of FOR Lake may attend Board meetings.

Section 6 Voting
Each Board Member shall have one vote, with the exception that the
presiding Officer shall cast a deciding vote, in the case of ties.

Section 7 Special Meeting
A Special Meeting of the Board may be called by the President, or
by a two-thirds majority of Board Members. Notice of the Special
Meeting shall be given by mail 15 days prior to the Special Meeting.
No business other than that stated in the notice of the Special
Meeting shall be considered.

Section 8 Reimbursement
Members of FOR Lake shall not be compensated for their services,
except that they may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses
incurred in the performance of their duties, on behalf of FOR Lake,
with approval of Board Members.

Section 9 Discharge of duties
Board Members shall discharge their duties in good faith, and with
diligence and care, to promote and protect the interests of the
Membership.

Section 10 Vacancy
In the event a vacancy occurs on the Board, the remaining Board
Members may appoint a replacement to fulfill the term.

Section 11 Removal of a Board Member
Board Members at a duly constituted meeting may, by a two-thirds
vote of those in attendance, and with or without cause, remove a
Board Member from office. Board Members shall not be removed
from office unless the notice of the Special Meeting at which
removal is to be considered, states such as the purpose. When a
Board Member has been removed, the vacancy may be filled in
accordance with the provisions of Article II Section 10.

Section 12 Duties of Officers
The President shall:
1. Preside at all Board meetings, the Annual Meeting and
Special Meetings.
2. Appoint up to two Board Members to sign contracts or other
instruments, which Board Members have authorized to be
executed.
3. Appoint FOR Lake Members to committees.
4. Serve as, or appoint the delegate to, the Aitkin County Lakes
and Rivers Association, and attend such other meetings that
are of concern to FOR Lake.
The Vice President shall:
1. Perform the duties of the President in the absence of the
President.
2. Assist the President with the overall operation of the
Association.
3. Coordinate the activities of the Standing Committees and
assist in their development.
The Secretary shall:
1. Keep minutes of Board meetings, the Annual Meeting and
Special Meetings.
2. See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the
provisions of these bylaws, or as required by law.
3. Be custodian of FOR Lake’s records.
4. Keep an accurate up-to-date mailing list of Members.
The Treasurer shall:
1. Have charge and custody of, and be responsible for funds of
FOR Lake.
2. Deposit all funds in the name of FOR Lake, in depositories
selected by Board Members.
3. Handle the disbursement of funds of FOR Lake, as ordered
by Board Members.

Article III COMMITTEES

Section 1 Standing Committees
The Association shall have the following four Standing Committees:
• Education and Newsletter
• Fishing and Exotic Species
• Social and Membership
• Governmental Land Use
Standing Committees shall be appointed by the Board as needed to
carry out the business of FOR Lake.
Section 2 Special Committees
The President may appoint other committees as are deemed
necessary to support the efforts of Board Members. Chairpersons of
Special Committees do not have voting rights.

Article IV AMENDMENTS

Bylaws may be amended at any Annual Meeting, Special Meeting or
by mail/e-mail vote of FOR Lake, by a majority vote of Members,
constituting a quorum, provided that written notice has been duly
sent to each Member of FOR Lake as provided herein.