BYLAW I: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibility

Active membership shall be limited to those described in Article III of the Constitution of the Club.

Section 2. Voting Rights

All members including Associate members, as defined in Article III of the Constitution, are eligible to vote.

A simple majority vote at a meeting will determine any questions other than constitutional amendments raised for a general membership vote. Where spending matters other than annual dues which exceed $200 arise all members will be given two weeks notice of the reason for the meeting. A receipted email shall be considered sufficient notice. A proxy vote is allowed where the person issuing the proxy contacts any of the Club Officers and makes their wishes known. It is the duty of the person wishing the proxy to arrange for the proxy to reach one of the Club Officers in time for the meeting. Such votes may not be conducted by telephone or email.

Section 3. Dues

The Officers shall establish annual dues for each class of members as defined in Article III of the Constitution. Such determination may be challenged at any meeting of the Club where notice of such challenge has been communicated to all members at least two weeks in advance of such meeting. Membership dues must be received in full by the Treasurer at or before the beginning of the Annual General Meeting, which will be scheduled for the first Wednesday in November each year. Such date is subject each year to approval by the officers of the Club and may be changed with notice to the membership of at least two weeks.

Section 4. Eligibility

     i. Only members in good standing are eligible to hold office in the Club.
     ii. There are no limits on the number of terms any member in good standing may hold office.

BYLAW II: ELECTIONS, TERMS OF OFFICE, AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. Date of Election, Term, and Duties

The election of officers shall be held at the annual general meeting at which time the following shall be elected to serve for a term ending at the next annual meeting.

  i. President - shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer and preside at all meetings.
  ii. Club Representative - shall be responsible for dealing on an official level with the parent organizations as required, and shall act as possible as a resource to members with questions.
  iii. Treasurer - shall maintain accurate records and shall provide financial reports at the annual general meeting, or, if so required, at other points in time.

Section 2. Nomination and Elections

  i. Nominations for any office will be received by mail or email prior to this meeting from any
      member in good standing, and at the meeting may be received from the floor from
      any member in good standing.
  ii. Elections shall be by secret ballot if 2/3 of the membership present vote to do so.
      Otherwise elections shall be by voice/gesture vote. Every member of the Club,
      including Associate members, shall be eligible to vote.

Where no new person is nominated and where the current officer indicates a willingness to continue in the office the office shall be so extended for another year.

BYLAW III: MEETINGS

Section 1. Annual Meeting

There shall be at least one (1) meeting per year held before the end of November, which shall include the election of officers.

Section 2. Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Club may be called at the written request of 15% of the Club membership in good standing or 8 members whichever is the lesser. This request shall state fully the purpose of the meeting. Special meetings may also be called by resolution of the Executive Board. The Club Representative shall notify the membership of such meetings at least two weeks in advance and such notice shall state the purpose thereof. Special meetings shall be limited to consideration and/or voting on the matters stated in the meeting notice.

Section 3. Quorum

A quorum at any meeting of the Club shall be at least 20% of the Club membership in good standing, or 6 members, whichever is the lesser.

Section 4. Recall/Removal of Membership

A petition to recall any elected officer, or remove any member, may be brought by 10 members or 50% of the Club membership, whichever is less. The petition must state the specific charges being brought against the officer or member. A mail ballot, calling for a vote on a proposal to recall or remove the individual involved, must be presented to the Club membership. The recall will be in effect if at least two-thirds of the Club membership approve the proposal for recall.

Section 5. Amendment of the Bylaws

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any general meeting or special meeting at which a quorum is present. Written notice of the proposed action must be sent to each member at his last known address at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.

BYLAW IV: FINANCES

Section 1. Change of Membership Dues

The Officers of the Club, in consultation with the Amateur Winemakers of Ontario and as many members as can be easily consulted, shall set an annual membership fee that is consistent with the ongoing operations of the Club.

Section 2. Expenditure of Funds

All Club expenditures for amounts over $200 shall be paid by check and signed by the Treasurer. Expenditure of more than $500 shall require the approval of all officers with the exception of annual AWO dues.

Section 3. Fiscal Year

The Fiscal Year for the Club shall commence January 1.

BYLAW V: CLUB PROJECTS

Only those club projects arranged and certified by one or more of the Club Officers shall be guaranteed to a grower or supplier.

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